Everything we know about M5 crash as three dead and child fighting for life

Two adults and a teenager have died following a last night, with a second left severely injured and fighting for their life in hospital.

said a white BMW left the northbound carriageway at around 9pm on Friday, between J14 (Falfield) and Michaelwood services in South Gloucestershire. Paramedics raced to a "very complex scene" last night, where they tried to save lives in the "most tragic of circumstances". Three people, including a teenager, succumbed to their injuries and sadly died in the single-vehicle crash, while a second child sustained serious injuries and was taken to where they remain, said. 

National Highways said that "due to the severity of the incident and complexity of the vehicle recovery", the M5 was likely to remain closed until about 4pm. It partially re-opened southbound between J13 (Stroud) and J14 (Falfield) on Saturday afternoon, but Northbound remains fully closed while officers continue to work at the scene.

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M5 closed for 'next few hours'

Avon and Somerset Police say vehicle recovery work is ongoing, and that the carriageway will need to be assessed and undergo necessary repairs before it will be safe to re-open. The M5 southbound re-opened between J13 (Stroud) and J14 (Falfield) just before noon on Saturday. Northbound remains fully closed while officers continue to work at the scene, National Highways said.

Inspector Mark Vicary, of the roads policing unit, said: “It has been necessary to keep the road closures in place at this time to enable further collision investigation work during daylight hours. As a result the M5 remains closed this morning and we estimate it will need to stay shut in both directions for the next few hours, however we are doing all we can to reopen it as soon as possible.

“We appreciate this closure is causing delays and disruption to the public, particularly at the end of the half-term break. But given the severity of this distressing incident, we hope the public can understand the reasons why this is necessary and ask them to consider alternative travel plans.”

Three dead and one seriously injured

Three people have died and a fourth is seriously injured after the single-vehicle collision in South Gloucestershire.

Avon and Somerset Police said in a statement: “We’re sad to report two adults in their 40s and one teenage child who were travelling in the vehicle have died from their injuries. A second child sustained serious injuries and they have been taken to hospital.”

Inspector Vicary added: “Our thoughts first and foremost are with the child in hospital and loved ones who have received the most awful news overnight. A specially-trained officer will provide them with support at this difficult time.”

Paramedics worked in 'most tragic of circumstances'

Emergency service crews were called to the M5 yesterday evening after a white BMW left the northbound carriageway. They arrived to a "very complex" scene, police said, and worked throughout the night to try and save lives.

Inspector Vicary said: “Emergency services have worked throughout the night at what has proved to be a very complex scene. They have worked diligently and professionally to try to save life in the most tragic of circumstances.”

Investigation ongoing at scene

Police are currently on scene to carry out a vehicle recovery operation. National Highways warned drivers that delays are building on approach of the closures, with expected delays of at least 60 minutes northbound and 45 minutes southbound. 

Officers said earlier that vehicle recovery work still needs to be completed and National Highways will need to assess the carriageway and make any necessary repairs before it will be safe to reopen the motorway.

Witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage have meanwhile been asked to contact police online or on 101 quoting reference number 5225151145.