The M5 in Devon was closed in both directions after multiple serious crashes between J27 and J28.
Drivers faced an evening and morning of chaos as a major section of the M5 motorway in Devon was closed in both directions following two separate multi-vehicle collisions.
The incidents, which occurred late on Thursday night, resulted in a full closure of the motorway between Junction 27 (Tiverton) and Junction 28 (Cullompton), causing severe travel disruption that lasted for more than 12 hours.
The initial collision was reported to Devon and Cornwall Police at approximately 9:50pm on Thursday, on the southbound carriageway. A second, separate incident occurred in the ensuing queues, further complicating the emergency response and trapping scores of motorists between the two crash sites.
A Nightmarish Ordeal for Trapped Drivers
Motorists caught between the two crashes endured a hellish night, with some reporting being stuck for up to seven hours before police and National Highways crews could safely extricate them.
Accounts from frustrated drivers described a surreal scene of being in gridlock on a usually fast-moving motorway for most of the night.
Emergency services, including an air ambulance, were scrambled to the scene, landing on the motorway to attend to those with serious injuries.
A police spokesperson confirmed that a number of people had been “seriously injured” and that the extensive investigation work required meant the motorway would be closed for a significant period. National Highways confirmed that crews had to cut a section of the central reservation barrier to free some of the trapped traffic.
Diversion Routes Overwhelmed
The prolonged closure of the M5, a vital artery for travel to and from the South West, created significant knock-on effects for local traffic. The designated diversion routes, including the B3181 through Willand, became heavily congested, with local roads struggling to cope with the increased volume of traffic.
Bristol Airport issued a travel alert, urging passengers to seek alternative routes to avoid the motorway chaos. The disruption was particularly acute for morning commuters and anyone planning an early Friday departure.
Police Appeal for Witnesses and Dashcam Footage
Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a full investigation into both collisions and are appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.
The first incident involved a Vauxhall Zafira, a Ford Ka, and a Porsche Boxster, and police have confirmed that the male driver of the Ford Ka was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
As of Friday afternoon, National Highways has confirmed that the northbound carriageway has reopened, while the southbound side remains closed for ongoing police work and will likely reopen later in the day.
The events of Thursday night and Friday morning have served as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of road accidents and the importance of a coordinated emergency response.
