The M5 motorway at Burnham-On-Sea was closed for over six hours on Thursday (October 24th) following two accidents between junction 22 at Burnham and junction 23 at Bridgwater which left one person dead.
A car overturned on the southbound carriageway at 5.15am, followed a short time later by a second fatal collision involving three vehicles at 6am, as pictured here.
Police confirmed a man had died in the accident, which involved a heavy goods vehicle and a commercial van.
Both carriageways of the motorway were shut while emergency crews dealt with the incident.
The northbound carriageway re-opened at 10.30am and the southbound was re-opened at 1pm.
There were long delays through Highbridge and East Huntspill as motorists sought alternative routes around the accident.
Superintendent Chris Weigold said: “This was a significant incident for us and we were left with no option but to close the motorway. I know this caused considerable disruption to motorists today as people try and get to work, meetings and to catch flights.”
Avon and Somerset Police said the man’s family had been told and were being supported by a family liaison officer.
Anyone who witnessed either of the collisions should contact the police’s collision investigation unit on 101.
Emergency services at the scene of the fatal crash on the M5
The lorry went into the central reservation and a van crashed into it
The deserted scenes on the M5 at Burnham at rush-hour
