A multiple-vehicle collision caused a complete halt in traffic on the M5 this morning. Traffic was stopped on the southbound lane between Cullompton and Honiton in Devon. Traffic cameras captured significant congestion across all lanes, with emergency services responding to the scene promptly.
Authorities confirmed that at least two individuals sustained injuries in the incident. Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson informed that emergency services were dealing with the aftermath of the collision on the M5 near Exeter. The southbound carriageway was closed at Junction 28, with the northbound route also being shut down at Junction 29 to accommodate the landing of an air ambulance.
Motorists were advised to seek alternative routes due to the closure, as delays stretched to over ninety minutes. The situation has since improved, with all lanes reopened between Junctions 28 and 29 following the clearance of the collision. Diversions were put in place, and drivers were encouraged to avoid the M5 if possible.
Images from the scene portrayed the extensive emergency response, including the air ambulance helicopter landing on the M5 after the multi-vehicle crash. National Highways confirmed the involvement of various emergency services at the site, including the police, ambulance services, fire department, and traffic officers.
The closure of the southbound carriageway allowed emergency crews to operate safely, with no specific timeline provided for the reopening of the road. Witnesses described the crash as involving multiple vehicles, with reports of police, ambulances, and fire engines on the scene.
Inrix reported that the M5 Southbound was blocked earlier due to the accident, with traffic held up until noon. The opposite side was also temporarily halted to facilitate the air ambulance’s arrival. The severity of the crash remains unknown, with ongoing efforts to gather further details from emergency services.