Drivers are facing significant delays after a major motorway was closed in both directions following a serious collision early Saturday morning. The M5 remains shut to traffic southbound between Huntworth and Taunton in Somerset after a severe incident involving a blue BMW.
Woman Hospitalized with Life-Threatening Injuries
A woman has been taken to hospital by air ambulance after sustaining life-threatening injuries. Police have confirmed that her next of kin have been informed. National Highways said staff were at the scene to assist with traffic management.
In a statement, National Highways added: 'Information from the scene indicates the M5 southbound will remain closed until late this morning, for police accident investigations.'
Witnesses Describe Emergency Response
One witness told Somerset Live that a 'mix of police, ambulances and fire engines' were in attendance. The incident occurred around 2:15 am, and the northbound carriageway was reopened to traffic around 4 am. Drivers have been advised to use the A38 and A358 to avoid the trouble spot between junctions 24 and 25.
A spokesperson for Somerset and Avon Police said: 'We are at the scene of a serious road traffic collision on the M5 southbound, between junction 24 (Bridgwater) and junction 25 (Taunton), at around 2:15 am today (Saturday 10 May). The collision involved one vehicle, a blue BMW, and a woman has been taken to hospital for treatment for life-threatening injuries. Her next of kin has been informed.'
The spokesperson added: 'The northbound carriageway has reopened but the southbound carriageway will remain closed until around 12 pm today while investigations continue, and we would urge drivers to seek alternative routes.'
Police are appealing for anyone with information or relevant dashcam footage to call 101 quoting reference 5226127578 or complete their online appeals form. This incident comes as a separate serious incident has closed a section of the A1 in Lincolnshire, where police and traffic officers are currently dealing with the situation between Stretton and Colsterworth.
