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. The collision occurred late Monday night around 23:00 GMT, involving a pedestrian and a vehicle between junctions 24 for Bridgwater and 25 for Taunton.
Authorities from Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that the victim died at the scene. Her next of kin have been notified, and fortunately, no one else suffered injuries in the accident. Given that there was prior police contact with the involved parties, a mandatory referral has been submitted to the Independent Office for Police Conduct to ensure transparency and accountability in the investigation.
The police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, assessing all available information to provide clarity.
As investigations continue, National Highways announced that the M5 will likely remain closed throughout Tuesday morning for safety repairs and inquiries. A diversion route using the A38 has been established, but motorists are encouraged to avoid the area entirely and monitor traffic updates before embarking on their journeys.
The site of the collision is located near Creech Heathfield, close to Taunton, resulting in significant traffic delays.
Southbound drivers on the M5 are facing up to 90 minutes of delays along seven miles of congestion.
Northbound traffic is experiencing 30-minute delays with congestion stretching for two miles.
Local roads are also affected, particularly along the A38 near North Petherton and Bridgwater. Community members who witnessed the incident or possess dashcam footage that could assist investigators are encouraged to reach out to law enforcement.
In addition to this collision, local authorities are addressing infrastructure concerns. The town council is seeking public input on plans to replace an unsafe footbridge while advocating for smaller-scale enhancements following criticism of previous proposals deemed unaffordable.
This tragic event highlights ongoing issues regarding road safety and community infrastructure in Somerset. As investigations unfold and local authorities respond, residents are reminded of the importance of vigilance on the roads as well as active participation in community safety initiatives.
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