Key details as M5 closed for 12 hours after tanker crash

Key details as M5 closed for 12 hours after tanker crash | Somerset LiveSkip to main content[1]

Need to know

Some drivers have been trapped in traffic all day

17:48, 05 May 2026Updated 17:55, 05 May 2026

Crashed tanker on the M5(Image: National Highways )

Everything you need to know as M5 closed for 12 hours after crash

1. The M5 remains closed southbound in Somerset after a tanker and car crashed between Junction 22, Burnham-on-Sea, and junction 23, Bridgwater North, early this morning (Tuesday, May 5). National Highways warns of five hour delays and 14 miles of congestion on the approach to Burnham-on-Sea.
2. There was a large diesel spill and the barrier was damaged as a result of the crash. Work is ongoing to remove the 32,000 litre load from the damaged tanker as recovery cannot take place until it is unloaded.

   National Highways said specialist crews are at the scene.

3. Drivers have faced major delays on the motorway today, with some being stuck in traffic for over six hours. One driver told SomersetLive[2] they were stuck without food or water on the motorway for hours.
4. The M5 is expected to remain closed through the peak traffic period this evening. There are severe delays and traffic is being affected on the A38 and A39 because of the diversion route.
5. National Highways said: "The M5 in Somerset is closed southbound between J22 Edithmead Interchange (Highbridge, Burnham-on-Sea A38) and J23 Dunball Interchange (Bridgwater A38; Glastonbury, Wells A39) due to a serious collision involving a HGV (a fuel tanker) and a car.
6. Drivers should follow the solid diamond symbol on road signs. The diversion route is:

• Exit the M5 at J22 and at the roundabout take the first exit on to the A38 (Bristol Road)
• Continue on the A38 southbound for six miles to the roundabout with the the A39
• Take the first exit on to the A39 towards J23 of the M5
• At the J22 roundabout take the third exit to re-join the M5 J23 southbound

Follow our blog here for the latest: M5 delays hit over five hours crash involving tanker and car - updates[3]

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References

1. ^ Skip to main content (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
2. ^ One driver told SomersetLive (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
3. ^ M5 delays hit over five hours crash involving tanker and car - updates (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
4. ^ Reach and across our entities (www.reachplc.com)
5. ^ cookies (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
6. ^ Privacy Notice (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
7. ^ Terms and Conditions (www.somersetlive.co.uk)