Somerset roads in gridlock after M5 closed by fatal crash

There are long traffic delays across Somerset following a fatal crash on the M5 last night (Monday, November 11). The motorway was shut in both directions and drivers have been warned of heavy congestion on local roads.

There are severe delays on the M5 between junction 24 for Bridgwater and junction 25 for Taunton. According to National Highways, there are delays of an hour and six miles of traffic on the southbound carriageway even though it has now reopened.

The A38 is also gridlock heading through Thurloxton, North Petherton and Bridgwater. Traffic sites have also reported delays on the A361 between East Lyng and Othery, as well as through Bawdrip, as drivers avoid the M5 closure.

READ MORE:Teenage pedestrian dies in M5 crash

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On top of that Squibbers Way in Bridgwater is closed following a fire last night. A structural team is carrying out essential checks and are trying to get the road reopened as soon as possible to help with the congestion issues.

Diversion routes were put in place in both directions following the M5 closure. National Highways said the motorway was expected to remain closed "for a lengthy period".

National Highways said in a post on X at 11.14am: "The #M5 in #Somerset is NOW OPEN in BOTH DIRECTIONS between J24 #Bridgwater and J25 #Taunton. The earlier Police led incident has now been cleared.

"Delays of 60 minutes remain on the approach - 6 miles of congestion. Earlier delays northbound are now less than 10 minutes."

Teenage girl dies in M5 crash

A 17-year-old girl tragically died at the scene of the M5 crash in Somerset last night. Emergency services were called to the scene at around 11pm but the girl could not be saved.

It has been confirmed this morning (November 12), that the girl had been detained by police before the fatal collision. Avon and Somerset Police made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to prior police contact.

For all of the latest updates from the M5 crash and closure, follow our live blog here.