Driver rescued from M5 lorry crash and airlifted to hospital

A driver has been airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after lorry crashed into a bridge on the M5. Emergency services were called to the motorway between Taunton and Bridgwater at around 6.25am today (Friday, June 28). The lorry driver was trapped in the vehicle and was rescued by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Services at the scene.

He was then taken to hospital by air ambulance with serious injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening, Avon and Somerset Police said. The road was closed northbound while emergency services were at the scene but all lanes have since reopened. Severe delays are being reported in the area.

For more updates on traffic in the area this afternoon, visit the live blog on our website.[1] National Highways said there is still around 13 miles of congestion in the area. In a statement, it said: “There are severe delays of over two and a half hours on the M5 northbound in Somerset due to an incident between J25 (Taunton) and J24 (Bridgwater) involving a Heavy Goods Vehicle which has struck a bridge.

“2 lanes (of 3) were closed with traffic running past the scene in 1 lane. All lanes are now open but long delays remain in the area. Please allow extra time for your journey this afternoon as there is 13 miles of queuing traffic.”

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement: “We currently have 3 Fire Engines and 1 Heavy Rescue unit, dealing with a single lorry road traffic collision on the M5 Northbound between junctions 25 and 24. The lorry has hit a bridge and the driver is trapped. Crews are currently at work liaising with Police and Ambulance crews and using hydraulic cutting equipment to release the casualty.”

At 7.45am, the fire service said crews had released the driver from the lorry. Avon and Somerset Police are now appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to get in contact. The force said: “If you witnessed the collision or have any dashcam footage which could help our investigation, please contact us.

If you can help, please call 101[2] and give the call handler the reference number 5224167533, or complete our online appeals form[3].

“You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111[4] or via their Anonymous Online Form[5].

No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.”

References

1. ^ visit the live blog on our website. (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
2. ^ 101 (tel)
3. ^ online appeals form (www.avonandsomerset.police.uk)
4. ^ 0800 555 111 (https)
5. ^ Anonymous Online Form (crimestoppers-uk.org)