M5 traffic: Man dies in tragic crash and several injured in two M5 crashes

A man has died and several individuals were injured in two crashes on the M5 in Dervon, police have stated.

Devon and Cornwa police stated that a driver in his 30s from Plymouth has died following a collision between four vehicles at about 23:10 BST near junction 28. The M5 remains closed this morning in both directions between junction 27 at Tiverton and junction 28 at Cullompton following the tragic collision.

On September 18, the motorway was first closed late after the serious incident. Motorists traveling to the M5 are facing huge delays due to the M5 being closed. 

On the northbound side, queues expanded as far as junction 29, where the motorway meets the A30 Exeter. Diversions were put in place for the drivers traveling to both north and south. 

A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of causing this accident by dangerous driving, and he is now in police custody. Four other individuals were taken to the nearby hospital for treatment after the accident. Fortunately, none of them are believed to have suffered from life-threatening issues.

The fatal collision followed another three-vehicle crash on the M5 near Willand at 21:50. The three-vehicle crash involved a blue Vauxhall Zafira, a white Porsche Boxster, and a silver Ford Ka, the police said.

The police stated that the driver of the Ford Ka, in his 60s, was taken to hospital for serious injuries and their next-of-kin had been informed.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact the police because it will be an extensive investigation. 

The National Highways South West said that the motorway was shut at about 23:00 on Thursday between junction 27 and junction 28. 

The Superintendent for road policing, Joe Matthew, said that M5 was affected due to its shutdown for about 15 hours. He said that their thoughts are with all those injured in this collision and with the families who lost their dear ones. 

Mr. Mathew said that the welfare of the members of the public and staff involved in these two fatal events was a priority for the responsive people. He further added that they are keen to reassure that, alongside keeping people safe, their clear priority is to undertake a thorough and detailed investigation on behalf of the victims of these collisions and their families. 

National Highways said people travelling to the north may expect a delay of 30 minutes, and of 45 minutes for the south. On Friday, Bristol Airport advised people to look for an alternative route, while Exeter Airport warned people to allow some extra time while travelling.