Drivers filming M5 lorry-bridge crash on phones face fines and points

A number of motorists are facing prosecution, fines and points on their driving licences after filming the aftermath of a serious M5 crash on their mobile phones while at the wheel. The motorway in Somerset was closed for several hours today, Friday, June 28, after a lorry crashed into a bridge^[1], leaving a driver trapped inside his vehicle.

Emergency services were called to the scene, between Taunton and Bridgwater, at around 6.25am. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service crews recovered the lorry driver from his vehicle and he was airlifted to hospital with injuries described as serious^[2] but not life threatening.

Miles of congestion and hours of delays were reported on the road until it reopened fully just before 3pm. Avon and Somerset Police said a number of drivers have been given warnings for filming the crash on mobile phones as they passed by.