M5 traffic live: Motorway shut as fuel tanker crashes causing huge 3 hour delays

National Highways says on its website: "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.

"A large diesel spill and nearside barrier damage has been confirmed as a result. Traffic caught within the closure has been released.

"A replacement tanker is at scene. Work is underway to remove the 32,000 litre load from the damaged tanker.

Recovery of the tanker cannot be carried out until is unloaded. Specialist crews on scene advise the removal of the load will take several hours.

"Approx.

200 metres of nearside barrier damage is also being repaired at scene. There are currently 3 hour delay, with 9 miles of congestion on the approach to J22.

"There is additional long delays on the diversion route detailed below.

We expect the road to remain closed throughout this afternoon and through the evening peak travel period."