90 minute M5 delays after crash near Burnham-on-Sea closes motorway

Huge M5 delays after motorway closure:

1. There are 90 minute delays on the M5 in Somerset after a serious crash involving a tanker and a car[1] this morning (May 5).
2. As a result of the crash, the motorway is currently shut southbound at Junction 22 (Burnham-on-Sea).
3. All emergency services were called to the scene between Junction 22 at Burnham-on-Sea[2] and Junction 23 at Puriton at around 4.30am.
4. While Avon and Somerset Police[3] confirmed there were no serious injuries, a significant diesel spillage was identified by National Highways and required the attendance of the fire service.
5. Fire crews from Taunton, Bridgwater and Burnham-on-Sea for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service confirmed there had been a fuel leak from the tractor unit of the tanker, so one crew and a hazardous materials officer remain on the scene while they await the arrival of recovery vehicles.
6. The ambulance service[4] was also pictured at the scene as drivers report long delays on the road.
7. Diversion routes[5] have been put in place as the M5 has been closed, causing approximately five miles of congestion on the approach.
8. Road users are advised to follow the Solid Diamond diversion symbol on road signs. National Highways advises to exit the M5 at J22 then take the A38 (Bristol Road). Continue on the A38 southbound then take the A39 (Down End).

   Re-join the M5 J23 southbound.

9. Traffic backed up behind the incident was initially released using lane three to allow motorists to leave the M5, but the fire service has confirmed the road will remain closed after that release.
10. A spokesperson for National Highways said earlier today: "The M5 in Somerset is closed southbound between J22 (Burnham on Sea) and J23 (Puriton) due to a serious collision involving a HGV and a car. Shortly before 04:30hrs National Highways were made aware of a serious collision. Police, emergency services including Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue are currently on scene.

    Traffic caught within the closure is being released to pass the scene of this incident in lane 3.

    Once this traffic is released, vehicle recovery and clear up will be assessed/take place."

11. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service[6] add: "A number of fire resources were mobilised to the M5 after a call from Police requesting assistance at a road traffic collision. On arrival it was confirmed no person were trapped but the incident involved a fuel tanker so additional resources were mobilised. Shortly after arrival at the incident, most resources were released.

    There had been a fuel leak from the tractor unit of the tanker so one crew and a hazardous materials officer are remaining on scene while they await the arrival of recovery vehicles.

    The traffic backed up behind the incident unable to get off the M5 has been released using lane 3 but after that, the road will remain closed.

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References

1. ^ serious crash involving a tanker and a car (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
2. ^ Burnham-on-Sea (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
3. ^ Avon and Somerset Police (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
4. ^ ambulance service (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
5. ^ Diversion routes (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
6. ^ Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
7. ^ click here (www.google.com)
8. ^