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. The incident occurred around 23:00 GMT on Monday, between junctions 24 for Bridgwater and 25 for Taunton. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene, and her next of kin have been notified. Fortunately, no other individuals sustained injuries during this unfortunate event.
In light of the recent police involvement prior to the incident, Avon and Somerset Police have filed a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. This procedure is standard practice when a death occurs following police contact, ensuring accountability and transparency in the investigation.
Following the collision, both directions of the M5 were closed temporarily as authorities conducted their inquiries and made necessary repairs to ensure safety on the motorway. National Highways reported that by 10:20 GMT on Tuesday, the northbound lanes were reopened between junctions 24 and 25, with plans for the southbound carriageway to follow suit.
The crash site is located near Creech Heathfield, just close to Taunton, leading to significant traffic disruptions in surrounding areas.
Motorists traveling southbound faced delays exceeding 90 minutes due to seven miles of congestion. Similarly, northbound traffic experienced 30 minutes of delays with two miles of backups reported.
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or possesses dashcam footage that may aid in their investigation to come forward. Community input is also being sought regarding safety improvements in the area. The town council is exploring opinions on replacing a footbridge that has been deemed unsafe while advocating for smaller-scale enhancements after a larger project was labeled as “unaffordable.”
As maintenance work on the road’s concrete base is scheduled by National Highways, these developments highlight ongoing efforts to improve safety measures amid tragic circumstances.
Looking ahead, this incident serves as a stark reminder of roadway safety and the importance of community vigilance. Engaging in discussions about infrastructure improvements can foster a safer environment for all road users.
Tragic Incident on M5 Claims Life of 17-Year-Old Girl A tragic accident on the M5 motorway has resulted in the death of a 17-year-old girl, raising concerns about road safety and police protocols.
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.