Three people have died and a fourth seriously injured in a single-vehicle collision on the M5 in South Gloucestershire.
A white BMW car left the northbound carriageway at approximately 9pm last night (Friday 30 May) between junction 14 (Falfield) and the Michaelwood services. As a result the M5 remains closed in both directions between junctions 14 and 13 (Stroud).
Two adults in their 40s and one teenage child who were travelling in the vehicle have died from their injuries. A second child sustained serious injuries and has been taken to hospital.
Avon and Somerset Police said the M5, between J13, A419 (Stroud), and J14, B4509 (Thornbury/ Fairfield), was closed following a crash at about 21:30 BST on Friday.
National Highways said: “The closure will remain in place for an extended duration to enable a comprehensive investigation.
“Upon completion, National Highways service providers will carry out an assessment of the infrastructure and commence any necessary repairs.”
Road users travelling northbound are advised to follow the solid triangle diversion symbol on road signs, exiting the M5 at J14 and turning left onto the B4509.
Road users travelling southbound are advised to follow the solid circle diversion symbol on road signs, exiting the motorway at J13 on to the A38.
Continue down the A38 southbound and re-join the M5 at J14.
Inspector Mark Vicary, of the roads policing unit, said: “Our thoughts first and foremost are with the child in hospital and loved ones who have received the most awful news overnight.
“A specially-trained officer will provide them with support at this difficult time.”
Insp Vicary continued: “Emergency services have worked throughout the night at what has proved to be a very complex scene. They have worked diligently and professionally to try to save life in the most tragic of circumstances.
“It has been necessary to keep the road closures in place at this time to enable further collision investigation work during daylight hours. Vehicle recovery work still needs to be completed and National Highways will need to assess the carriageway and make any necessary repairs before it will be safe to reopen the motorway.
“As a result the M5 remains closed this morning and we estimate it will need to stay shut in both directions for the next few hours, however we are doing all we can to reopen it as soon as possible.
“We appreciate this closure is causing delays and disruption to the public, particularly at the end of the half-term break. But given the severity of this distressing incident, we hope the public can understand the reasons why this is necessary and ask them to consider alternative travel plans.”
