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M5 in Somerset and Devon closed after towed boat overturns | M5 in Somerset and Devon closed after towed boat overturns |
(40 minutes later) | |
The M5 southbound between Somerset and Devon has been closed after a vehicle towing a boat overturned. | The M5 southbound between Somerset and Devon has been closed after a vehicle towing a boat overturned. |
All three lanes were closed after the incident at about 05:40 BST between junction 26 for Wellington, Somerset, and junction 27 for Tiverton in Devon. | |
Fuel was spilt on the road during the incident and police have been turning motorists away from the area after five-mile tailbacks formed. | Fuel was spilt on the road during the incident and police have been turning motorists away from the area after five-mile tailbacks formed. |
A crane was brought to the scene to assist in the recovery operation. | A crane was brought to the scene to assist in the recovery operation. |
Road 'softened' | |
Avon and Somerset Police said that a Land Rover left the road during the incident, but that there were no reports of any major injuries. | |
It added that the Highways Agency had taken control of the incident. | |
Two lanes were opened by 09:00 BST to let traffic trapped in the tailbacks move. | Two lanes were opened by 09:00 BST to let traffic trapped in the tailbacks move. |
But vehicles on the motorway travelling towards the scene were still being diverted off the motorway on to the A38 at Junction 26, BBC Somerset reported. | But vehicles on the motorway travelling towards the scene were still being diverted off the motorway on to the A38 at Junction 26, BBC Somerset reported. |
The Highways Agency said complications with recovery of the boat meant it could not estimate when the route would fully reopen. | The Highways Agency said complications with recovery of the boat meant it could not estimate when the route would fully reopen. |
The complications included the spilt fuel softening parts of the road surface. | |
Traffic in the area would remain very slow-moving in the meantime, the agency said. | Traffic in the area would remain very slow-moving in the meantime, the agency said. |