M5 traffic RECAP: Major motorway at standstill after horror caravan crash
Drivers faced travel chaos on a busy motorway[1] with long tailbacks after a serious crash[2] involving a caravan. Emergency services arrvied on the scene following the smash on the M5 at Avonmouth Bridge on the southbound carriageway. There were reports of debris on the road.
Traffic monitoring site Inrix reports: "All traffic being temporarily held and stationary traffic due to debris on road and accident, a caravan involved on M5 Avonmouth Bridge Southbound from J18 M49 to J19 A369 Martcombe Road (Portishead). Traffic held now around 18:35." This live blog has closed.
22:56Ethan BlackshawThis live blog is now closed
Please visit the Mirror's news[3] page for the latest.
22:48Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas'Please allow extra time for your journey', says National Highways
In its most recent update, National Highways said "traffic has been released" on the M5 southbound between J18 Bristol and J19 Portishead following the earlier collision. Two lanes have now reopened - but motorists have been advised to "allow 'extra time" for their journeys tonight.
21:44KEY EVENTTwo lanes remain closed
INRIX says: "Severe delays and two lanes closed due to debris on road and accident, a caravan, car and a lorry involved on M5 Avonmouth Bridge Southbound from J18 M49 to J19 A369 Martcombe Road (Portishead).
"Lanes three and four (of four) [open]. Recovery on scene."
An image of the caravan involved in the smash19:47Tim Hanlon
Severe delays as two lanes of the motorway are closed
Two lanes of the M5 are closed due to the crash involving the caravan. The incident has happened at M5 Avonmouth Bridge Southbound from J18 M49 to J19 A369 Martcombe Road (Portishead).Lanes one and two (of four) are currently closed.
19:45Tim HanlonPeople sitting on car roofs as they wait in the long queues
Drivers fed up with the long queues have reportedly got out of their cars and are waiting in the hot weather for the traffic to start moving again.
A witness told Bristol Live: "Lots of people sat on car roofs, got out of the car so they are probably wondering why they are stuck."