M5 closed at rush hour after two serious crashes

A stretch of the M5 is closed in Devon after a spate of crashes on the motorway, which left several people seriously injured.

Drivers face long delays today as the rush hour gets underway after two serious crashes within two miles of each other between junctions J28 and J27 northbound.

The two crashes between Sampford Peverell and Cullompton happened at about midnight, just as the emergency services were already dealing with a previous crash on the southbound lane.

Both carriageways will be closed ‘most of the morning due to extensive investigations,’ the police warned.

Devon and Cornwall Police said: ‘Road closures remain in place this morning following two serious multi-vehicle collisions on the M5 southbound.

‘The collisions between junctions 27 and 28 were reported to us at around 9.50pm and 11.10pm last night, Thursday 18 September.

‘A number of people have been seriously injured and the closures are likely to remain in place for at least another two hours.

‘We thank drivers for their patience while recovery and investigation work is carried out.’

National Highways said: ‘The M5 in Devon is closed both ways between J27 (Tiverton) and J28 (Cullompton) due to a serious road traffic collision. 

Devon & Cornwall Police remain on scene to undertake a collision investigation.

2 secondary incidents in the queue for the original incident have occurred meaning the road will likely remain closed throughout this morning.

Bristol Airport issued a warning to passengers, advising travellers heading to the airport to seek an alternative route.

The two latest crashes happened shortly after an air ambulance landed on the motorway to assist with the first incident.

Congestion is building up towards Exeter on the northbound direction, and there are also traffic delays towards Taunton.

Diversion routes have been put in place – drivers heading southbound should follow the solid square symbol, and northbound road users should follow the hollow diamond.

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