A tragic accident on the M5 near junction nine in Gloucestershire claimed the life of a van driver yesterday afternoon. Emergency services responded to a two-vehicle collision involving a grey Luton van and a Volkswagen Transporter at approximately 12:20 pm on Wednesday, May 6.
The van’s driver, a man in his 30s from Warwickshire, was pronounced dead at the scene. Fortunately, the occupants of the Volkswagen Transporter sustained only minor or no injuries, according to Gloucestershire Police.
The crash forced the closure of the northbound carriageway between junctions 11 and nine for over 17 hours, leading to extensive delays and several miles of congestion. Nearby routes, including the A417 through Gloucester and Cheltenham, experienced increased traffic as motorists sought alternative routes.
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Authorities reopened the motorway just before 6 am the following morning. Gloucestershire Police have appealed to anyone who witnessed the collision, saw either vehicle before the crash, or has dashcam footage to come forward. Information can be submitted via the police website quoting incident 227 of May 6.
The police thanked all motorists for their patience and cooperation during the prolonged closure while investigations continue.