A tragic accident on the M5 motorway has resulted in the death of a 17-year-old girl, who was struck by a vehicle shortly after exiting a stationary police car. This incident occurred late Monday night, raising significant concerns about safety protocols during police transport.
According to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the teenager was being taken into custody by Avon and Somerset Police when she exited the police vehicle. The collision transpired around 23:00 GMT between junctions 24 for Bridgwater and 25 for Taunton, Somerset.
An IOPC representative expressed condolences to the family and all affected by this loss, emphasizing their commitment to investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The girl reportedly left the police car while it was stopped on the northbound side of the motorway. Shortly thereafter, she was struck by another vehicle traveling on the opposite side of the road. Emergency services arrived within minutes; however, despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Fortunately, no other individuals were injured in this tragic event.
Detective Chief Superintendent Rachel Shields acknowledged that the focus remains on supporting the grieving family during this challenging time. Specially trained officers have been assigned to provide assistance as needed.
Shields noted that a critical incident has been declared and that Avon and Somerset Police’s Professional Standards Department has been informed. A mandatory referral to the IOPC is underway.
In response to the accident, both directions of the M5 were temporarily closed for inquiries and road repairs. National Highways confirmed that by 10:20 GMT Tuesday morning, traffic had resumed on both northbound and southbound lanes; however, significant delays persisted in local areas. Motorists faced up to 90 minutes of delays traveling southbound due to congestion extending over seven miles, with additional delays reported northbound.
This incident highlights urgent concerns regarding road safety and police transport procedures. As authorities continue their investigation, they are encouraging witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.
The community’s response will likely shape future discussions about roadway safety measures and police protocols, ensuring that incidents like this are prevented in future scenarios. As residents navigate these difficult times, support systems are being prioritized for those impacted by this tragedy.
Tragic Collision Closes M5 in Somerset A tragic incident on the M5 motorway in Somerset has resulted in the death of a 17-year-old girl, leading to the closure of the road in both directions.
Tragic Incident on the M5 Claims Life of 17-Year-Old A 17-year-old girl tragically lost her life after being struck by a vehicle on the M5 motorway shortly after police had detained her.