A section of the M5 motorway in Gloucestershire has reopened after being closed for 18 hours following a fatal crash near a service station. The incident occurred between junctions 14 and 13 at around 9pm on Friday, May 30. Emergency services responded immediately to the scene.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed early on Saturday, May 31, that three people—including a teenage child—died in the single-vehicle crash. Another child remains hospitalized with serious injuries.
The collision involved a white BMW traveling northbound. Authorities enforced a full road closure throughout the night and most of Saturday to conduct thorough accident investigations.
READ MORE: LIVE: M4 Traffic Halted Following Crash
READ MORE: National Trust Announces Exciting Lineup of Summer Events Across the Cotswolds
According to the roads and traffic monitoring service Inrix, the motorway reopened at 3:20pm Saturday afternoon, although one lane remains closed to allow emergency barrier repairs on the northbound carriageway near junction 14 (Thornbury/Falfield).
Police have issued a public appeal for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward. A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police stated: “Two adults in their 40s and a teenage child who were in the vehicle have sadly died from their injuries. A second child sustained serious injuries and has been taken to hospital.”
Inspector Mark Vicary of the roads policing unit expressed his condolences: “Our thoughts are with the child in hospital and the families affected by this tragic event. A specially trained officer is supporting them during this difficult time.”
He added: “Emergency personnel worked through the night on a complex and challenging scene, making every effort to save lives under extremely difficult circumstances.”
The closure remained necessary on Saturday morning to facilitate ongoing collision investigations and vehicle recovery. National Highways will assess and repair the carriageway before fully reopening the motorway.
Inspector Vicary acknowledged the disruption caused, especially at the end of the half-term break, and urged drivers to seek alternative routes while work continues.
Anyone with information or footage related to the crash is encouraged to contact Avon and Somerset Police online or via 101, referencing incident number 5225151145.