November 12, 2024 — A tragic incident occurred on the M5 motorway on Monday night, resulting in the death of a 17-year-old girl who was struck by a vehicle shortly after being detained by police. The incident took place between junctions 24 for Bridgwater and 25 for Taunton at approximately 23:00 GMT.
The teenager, who died at the scene, has been identified, and her next of kin have been informed. Fortunately, no other individuals were injured in the collision.
Police Involvement and Investigation
Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed that the girl had been in recent prior contact with officers before the incident. As per protocol, a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which will investigate the circumstances surrounding the police’s involvement.
In response to the crash, the M5 was closed in both directions for several hours while investigations were carried out and necessary repairs were made to ensure the safety of the motorway. By 10:20 GMT on Tuesday, the northbound carriageway was reopened, with the southbound lanes expected to follow soon after.
Traffic Disruptions and Delays
The closure of the M5 caused significant disruption to traffic, particularly in the areas around Bridgwater and Taunton. National Highways confirmed there were severe delays, with motorists on the southbound M5 experiencing up to 90 minutes of delay and seven miles of congestion. Northbound traffic faced delays of 30 minutes and two miles of congestion. Local roads, including the A38 near North Petherton and Bridgwater, were also impacted by the closures, leading to extended travel times.
Call for Witnesses
Avon and Somerset Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who may have dashcam footage that could aid in the investigation to come forward. Those with relevant information are urged to contact the police.
This incident is being closely investigated as authorities seek to understand the circumstances surrounding the tragic death and the sequence of events leading up to the collision.