Biker involved in serious crash with van on M5
The M5 is closed in both directions following a serious crash in Somerset involving a van and a motorbike. Police were called to the scene of the crash at 1.37pm today, Thursday, October 3, after a van and bike collided on the M5 between junction 21 and 22[1].
Emergency services, including an air ambulance were called to the scene near Weston-super-Mare[2]. The motorway is now closed to allow for investigation work to be carried out.
Motorists have been advised to avoid the motorway where possible and seek alternative routes. There are miles of delays and tailbacks, with traffic cameras showing heavy congestion from Clevedon to Highbridge[3].
Police are appealing for anyone with information or dashcam footage of the crash to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting the reference number 5224260872.
Shortly after the crash, National Highways closed the northbound carriageway to allow an air ambulance to land. It said: "The #M5[4] in #Somerset[5] is CLOSED southbound between J21 (Weston-Super-Mare) and J22 (Burnham-on-Sea) due to a serious collision Traffic has also been stopped on the northbound carriageway to allow for Air Ambulance arrival."
There is a diversion in place for motorists travelling southbound.[6] National Highways has warned of long delays as multiple emergency services are at the scene.
Follow our live blog here for the latest updates.[7]
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "We were called at 1.37pm to reports of a serious collision involving a motorbike and van on the southbound carriageway of the M5 between junctions 21 (Weston-super-Mare) and 22 (Burnham-on-Sea).
"Emergency services are in attendance and have closed the motorway in both directions. We would encourage motorists to seek alternative routes. If you witnessed the collision or have any information which could help our investigation, call 101 and quote reference 5224260872 ."
References
- ^ M5 between junction 21 and 22 (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Weston-super-Mare (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ heavy congestion from Clevedon to Highbridge (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ #M5 (x.com)
- ^ #Somerset (x.com)
- ^ There is a diversion in place for motorists travelling southbound. (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Follow our live blog here for the latest updates. (www.somersetlive.co.uk)