Overturned M5 lorry contains 22 tonnes of potatoes
A lorry that overturned on the M5 near Exeter contained 22 tonnes of potatoes. The motorway has been closed southbound between junctions 28 and 29 since around 8am this morning. The M5 remained closed as of 4.15pm due to ‘complex recovery’. A diversion route is in place.[1] One person was injured in the crash but the injuries are not thought to be serious, police added.
The HGV contained 22 tonnes of potatoes, according to police. Sgt Owen Jones said the recovery operation was proving difficult. He told the BBC[2]: “Unfortunately it’s blocking all three lanes and the hard shoulder.
We’re working hard to get it recovered but unfortunately 22 tonnes of loose potatoes are causing us quite some problems. “It’s hindering recovery at the moment. We’ve got quite a few officers coming from various parts of the force to give us a hand unloading these potatoes before we can complete recovery.”
In its latest update, National Highways said: “The #M5 southbound closure has been reduced and is now closed between J28 (#Cullompton[3]) and J29 (#Exeter[4]).
Complex recovery of the overturned lorry remains ongoing at scene.”
Diversion Route
Road users are advised to follow the solid triangle diversion symbol on road signs
- Exit the M5 southbound at J28 and turn right at the traffic light controlled junction to join the A373
- At the roundabout, head straight over and join the B3181 (Station Road)
- Continue southbound on the B3181, passing through Cullompton, Westcott, Budlake (running parallel to the M5) and Broadclyst until the junction with Cumberland Way
- Join Cumberland Way southbound and then at the next roundabout continue straight over onto Moor Lane
- Continue southbound to then re-join the M5 at J30
Updates on the incident continue here[5].
References
- ^ A diversion route is in place. (www.devonlive.com)
- ^ BBC (www.devonlive.com)
- ^ Cullompton (www.devonlive.com)
- ^ Exeter (www.devonlive.com)
- ^ here (www.devonlive.com)