Drivers are facing major delays after a serious collision forced the closure of part of the M5 in Somerset during the early hours of this morning.
The motorway remains shut southbound between Huntworth and Taunton following a severe crash involving a blue BMW.
Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 2.15am, with police, ambulances and fire crews responding to the incident.
A woman suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital by air ambulance, while police confirmed that her next of kin have been informed.
National Highways said traffic officers remain at the scene to help manage congestion and support the ongoing investigation.
The agency said: “Information from the scene indicates the M5 southbound will remain closed until late this morning, for police accident investigations.”
One witness described seeing a “mix of police, ambulances and fire engines” attending the crash site.
The northbound carriageway reopened at around 4am, but the southbound section between junction 24 near Bridgwater and junction 25 near Taunton is expected to remain closed until around midday.
Motorists have been urged to avoid the area and use alternative routes via the A38 and A358.
A spokesperson for Somerset and Avon Police said: “We are at the scene of a serious road traffic collision on the M5 southbound, between junction 24 (Bridgwater) and junction 25 (Taunton), at around 2.15am today.”
“The collision involved one vehicle, a blue BMW, and a woman has been taken to hospital for treatment for life-threatening injuries. Her next of kin has been informed.”
“The northbound carriageway has reopened but the southbound carriageway will remain closed until around 12pm today while investigations continue, and we would urge drivers to seek alternative routes.”
The incident comes as another serious road incident has also forced the closure of part of the A1 in Lincolnshire, where police and traffic officers are currently dealing with an ongoing situation between Stretton and Colsterworth.
