This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-24649555
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Somerset M5 closure: Man dies in lorry and van crash | Somerset M5 closure: Man dies in lorry and van crash |
(about 2 hours later) | |
A man has died in one of two crashes on the M5 in Somerset which have shut the motorway between junctions 22 and 23. | A man has died in one of two crashes on the M5 in Somerset which have shut the motorway between junctions 22 and 23. |
A car overturned on the southbound carriageway at 05:15 BST followed a short while later by a collision between a van and a lorry. | A car overturned on the southbound carriageway at 05:15 BST followed a short while later by a collision between a van and a lorry. |
Avon and Somerset Police said the man's family had been told and were being supported by a family liaison officer. | Avon and Somerset Police said the man's family had been told and were being supported by a family liaison officer. |
One lane northbound between the junctions for Burnham-on-Sea and Bridgwater has since reopened. | |
'Considerable disruption' | 'Considerable disruption' |
Supt Chris Weigold said it was a "significant incident" which left police with no option but to close the motorway. | |
"I know this will cause considerable disruption to motorists today as people try and get to work, meetings and to catch flights," he added. | "I know this will cause considerable disruption to motorists today as people try and get to work, meetings and to catch flights," he added. |
"While we will work to get the motorway open again as soon as possible, people should expect the road to be closed for some time." | "While we will work to get the motorway open again as soon as possible, people should expect the road to be closed for some time." |
Traffic is being diverted off the M5 at earlier junctions and along the A38. | Traffic is being diverted off the M5 at earlier junctions and along the A38. |