The M5 has re-opened in both directions between junctions 24 (Bridgwater) and 25 (Taunton) today (Tuesday) following a fatal collision.
The collision, involving a pedestrian and a car, happened at about 11pm yesterday (11th November) and sadly the pedestrian, a 17-year-old girl, died at the scene.
A Police spokesperson says: “Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by a specially trained officer. Our thoughts are with them.”
“No one else was injured in the collision.”
The M5 was closed until after 11am while enquiries were carried out.
“A mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to recent prior police contact.”
Long delays built up of over 90 minutes.
A mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct following the death.
The 17-year-old was being transported in a police vehicle shortly before the fatal collision.
The officers stopped the vehicle while heading northbound between junctions 25 (Taunton) and 24 (Bridgwater).
The girl exited the stationary police vehicle, and she was subsequently tragically involved in a collision on the southbound carriageway involving another vehicle, shortly after 11pm.
The ambulance service were called and attended within a few minutes. The girl was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.
Detective Chief Superintendent Rachel Shields said: “Our thoughts are first and foremost with the girl’s family.”
“Overnight we have updated her next of kin regarding what has happened and we will ensure they are supported by specially-trained officers at what is an incredibly difficult time following the tragic loss of such a young life.”
The M5 was closed to enable emergency services to respond and investigative enquiries to be carried out.
”We are grateful for the public’s patience while we have been responding to this incident.”
Det Ch Supt Shields continued: “We believe it is important that we are as transparent as possible at this early stage about the tragic circumstances.”
“A critical incident was declared and our Professional Standards Department notified overnight. A mandatory referral has been made to the IOPC, on the grounds of a death following police contact.”
“The IOPC has decided to take on the investigation independently, and we welcome the oversight it will give.”
“We recognise this incident has had a significant effect on the devastated officers, plus members of the public, who witnessed what happened, as well as other officers and staff involved in our response. We will ensure staff are able to access any welfare support they may benefit from following this tragedy.”
