Two separate accidents on the same stretch of motorway have resulted in one fatality and another motorist sustaining serious injuries, according to Devon and Cornwall Police. The incidents, involving multiple vehicles, occurred on the M5 southbound near Willand, Devon, on Thursday night.
Emergency services responded to a three-vehicle collision near Junction 28 around 9:50 pm, leaving a driver in his 60s seriously injured. Another crash occurred at 11:10 pm, resulting in the death of one driver. A man has been arrested in connection with the fatal crash.
The deceased driver, a man in his 30s from Plymouth, was operating a Toyota vehicle. Next of kin have been notified. Police are seeking information and dashcam footage related to both accidents.
Superintendent Joe Mathews expressed condolences to those affected and praised the efforts of emergency services in managing the challenging scenes. The M5 in Devon remains closed as investigations into the collisions continue.
National Highways will be cutting the central reservation barrier to alleviate traffic congestion behind the initial incident. Motorists are urged to plan alternative routes and expect delays. The A12 in Essex experienced a similar situation recently, with motorists stranded for over five hours due to a serious crash.
Local roads in mid Devon are experiencing heavy traffic due to the M5 closure. Drivers should adhere to diversion routes provided by National Highways. The number of vehicles involved in each accident is currently unknown, and traffic queues are forming on both sides of the motorway.
Northbound road users are advised to follow diversion signs and rejoin the M5 at Junction 27 via the B3181 and A361 routes. Southbound road users should follow alternative routes indicated by Solid Square symbols. Devon and Cornwall Police and emergency services are managing the scene, with road closures likely to remain in place for an extended period.