M5 closed after 17-year-old girl dies in collision

The M5 successful Somerset is closed successful some directions aft a 17-year-old miss died successful a collision.

Avon and Somerset Police said the incident, involving a pedestrian and a car, happened betwixt junctions 24 for Bridgwater and 25 for Taunton astatine astir 23:00 GMT connected Monday.

The unit said the miss had died astatine the country and her adjacent of kin had been informed. No-one other was injured successful the collision.

Police said a mandatory referral had been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct owed to caller anterior constabulary contact.

National Highways said the roadworthy was expected to stay closed passim Tuesday morning, portion inquiries were carried retired and repairs are made to marque the motorway safe.

A diversion is presently successful spot betwixt the 2 junctions, on the A38, but drivers are advised to debar the country and cheque postulation updates earlier mounting disconnected connected journeys.

The tract of the clang is adjacent Creech Heathfield, adjacent to Taunton. There are agelong delays connected section roads, particularly the A38 adjacent North Petherton and Bridgwater.

Motorists travelling southbound connected the M5 are experiencing delays of 90 minutes, with 7 miles of congestion. There are delays of 30 minutes and congestion for 2 miles northbound.

Anyone who witnessed the collision oregon whitethorn person dashcam footage which could assistance the probe is urged to interaction police.