M5 closed for around 12 hours following fatal lorry collision

A stretch of the M5 was closed for around 12 hours yesterday following a collision between a pedestrian and a lorry.

The northbound section between Wellington and Tiverton was closed for much of yesterday (September 6) following the collision. Police confirmed a male pedestrian died following a collision with a lorry at around 5.30am.

The northbound carriageway was closed while investigations took place near Tiverton. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the tragedy in a statement sent to press and the road was reopened shortly before 5.30pm.

The police said at the time: "Police were called at 5.30am today, Wednesday, September 6, to the M5 near Tiverton following reports of a collision involving an HGV and a pedestrian.

"The male pedestrian was confirmed deceased at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.

"The M5 southbound carriageway has been reopened but the northbound carriageway will remain closed into the afternoon. Highways England have put diversions in place and traffic stuck within the closures will be assisted to move when possible."

The incident brought long delays to the motorway and a second crash southbound, between Wellington and Tiverton during the closure of the northbound lane, brought further delays to the motorway in Somerset and the A38 and B3187, which were used for diversions.

References

1. ^{^} Serious M5 incident near Wellington closes motorway in both directions 'for some time' (www.somersetlive.co.uk)