‘Several’ die in 27-vehicle crash

Emergency services are still working hard to tackle the incident

“Several” people have died and up to 35 people have been injured in a crash on the M5 in Somerset involving 27 vehicles, police say.

Police said they were still trying to free people after the crash, which happened between junctions 23 and 26.

Two lorries were among four vehicles said to have caught fire in the crash, at about 20:30 GMT on Friday.

Avon and Somerset Police have released a helpline number for people concerned about relatives: 0800 092 0410.

The stretch of the motorway is due to remain shut in both directions until at least 12:00 GMT.

The M5 is currently shut northbound between junctions 26 and 24, and southbound between junctions 23 and 25. Motorists have been asked to avoid the area.

Emergency crews said they believed the weather may have been a contributory factor in the crash and witnesses described seeing thick fog at the time of the collision.

Earlier, part of nearby Bridgwater town centre had to be closed off amid fears a wall could collapse after heavy rain.

Assistant Chief Constable Anthony Bangham, of Avon and Somerset Police, said “several people” had died in the “tragic incident”, although he said he could not be more specific about numbers at the present time.

He said: “The officers and the other emergency services faced a very very difficult scene when they arrived.

“Many vehicles were on fire and the collision itself involved what we believe to be about 27 vehicles, both lorries and cars. So they were faced with virtually all of them on fire. Many of them have burnt literally to the ground.”

Paul Slaven, from the fire service, said he had not had any reports of any “toxic or chemical material” involved in the crash.

Around 50 firefighters are at the scene, along with 15 fire engines from Taunton, Glastonbury, Bridgwater, Wiveliscombe, Wellington, Burnham on Sea and Yeovil.

The fire service said there had been some 20 “light vehicles” involved in the incident, along with six articulated lorries.

‘Black smoke’

Jaysen Sharpe, who had been at nearby Taunton Rugby Club which had been hosting a fireworks display at about the time of the crash, said he saw “a number of explosions, petrol tanks that I believed were going up”.

He said: “I could see the black smoke rising up. There were a number of heavy goods vehicles that were on fire in the accident.”

He added: “I believe it was due to the fog and roads were wet.

“It was a really foggy night. Headlights weren’t making a different at all.”

Simon Bruford, 38, from Williton, Somerset, said he had been driving southbound when he passed the scene with his wife and son.

He described the scene as one of “total carnage”.

“I could see the flames from quite a way back. I spent 18 years in the Somerset fire service and have seen a lot nasty things, but that was horrific.”

Motorist Steve Burge said he had seen the flames “from quite a distance away” on the M5.

He said he saw two lorries on fire and a car which had been almost burnt out.

“It was something that wouldn’t want to see. It was an image that will stick with me forever.”

‘Tower of smoke’

Local resident Becky Widdicombe said that at the time of the crash it had been “very foggy”.

Long tailbacks were reported on the motorway

Driver James Starkey, who was caught up in the tailbacks about 500 yards from the crash, said a “huge, billowing tower of smoke” had been rising from the scene since about 21:00 GMT.

“Police have said that we will be turned around as soon as possible, but with the amount of vehicles to turn and get moving it could be a long time,” he said.

“The atmosphere among people waiting on the motorway is one of shock.

“However, people have been particularly good to each other, offering help with directions and talking to people in order to ensure they’re OK.”

The Highways Agency said the motorway closure had been affecting people leaving the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival.

“Diversion arrangements are being made but motorists leaving the carnival will have to find alternative routes to the M5,” a spokeswoman said.

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