A tragic two-vehicle collision on the M5 motorway near junction nine in Gloucestershire claimed the life of a van driver yesterday. The incident, which occurred around 12:20 pm on Wednesday, May 6, resulted in the closure of the northbound carriageway for over 17 hours.
Gloucestershire Police confirmed the crash involved a grey Luton van and a Volkswagen Transporter. The driver of the van, a man in his 30s from Warwickshire, was pronounced dead at the scene. Fortunately, the occupants of the Volkswagen Transporter sustained only minor injuries.
The closure between junctions 11 and 9 caused significant traffic delays, with several miles of congestion affecting motorists. Nearby roads, including the A417 through Gloucester and Cheltenham, experienced increased traffic volumes as drivers sought alternative routes.
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The motorway reopened before 6 am the following morning. Gloucestershire Police have expressed gratitude to drivers for their patience during the prolonged closure. Investigators are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision, saw either vehicle beforehand, or possesses relevant dashcam footage to come forward.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Gloucestershire Police via their online form, quoting incident number 227 of May 6.