Pedestrian dies after M5 crash involving lorry

Police have confirmed that a pedestrian has died following a crash on the M5 this morning. The incident, which also involved an HGV, saw the motorway fully closed in both directions near Tiverton.

The M5 southbound carriageway has been reopened but the northbound carriageway will remain closed into the afternoon. Traffic that was caught up within the closure has now been released.

Police were called at 5.30am to the M5 near Tiverton following reports of a collision involving an HGV and a pedestrian. Devon and Cornwall Police have now confirmed the male pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene, as DevonLive reports.^[1][2]

Devon and Cornwall Police in a statement said: “Police were called at 5.30am today, Wednesday 6 September, 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.”

National Highways in a statement added: “Due to the nature of the incident the road was initially closed in both directions, however at approximately 10.30am the southbound carriageway reopened.

“Devon and Cornwall Police lead the response to this incident and have closed the road to allow the emergency services to work at scene. Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed the road will remain closed throughout the morning whilst investigations take place.

“National Highways have resources in attendance to assist with traffic management. Traffic that was caught up within the closure has now been released.”

Diversion Route

Northbound road users are advise to follow the Solid Circle diversion symbol on road signs.

• Leave the M5 at J27 and take the 3rd exit onto the A38, towards Wellington
• Remain on the A38 for approximately 9 miles to the Chelston Roundabout, with the B3187
• At the Chelston Roundabout take the 4th exit, towards the M5
• Rejoin the M5 northbound at J26

There are long delays on the southbound approach between J25 and J26 with several miles of congestion back to Taunton Deane Services. Current journey times are being delayed by at least 45 minutes.

The northbound approach between J28 and J27 is also experiencing long delays of 45 minutes above usual journey times.

If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.