M5 reopens after six hours as incident sees full motorway closure

The M5 has reopened after six hours after an incident this morning (Monday, May 18) saw the motorway having to be fully shut.

The incident closed the motorway in both directions between junctions 30 (Exeter[1]) and 31.

Devon and Cornwall Police[2] were called at around 3.50am to reports of a concern for welfare of a female[3]. Advertisement Advertisement

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She was later found on the wrong side of the railings on a bridge over the M5[4].

Police negotiators and officers attended as emergency services worked to get her to safety.

There were six diversions in place[5] whilst the incident was ongoing.

However, due to the traffic[6] being diverted on other nearby routes, there were delays of up to 40 minutes and four miles of congestion in either direction.

Traffic cameras showed queues forming and tailing back onto the A38.

Before 10am, the motorway reopened in both directions after the female made her way to a safe place.

She has been taken into the care of emergency services. Advertisement

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A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "The M5 has reopened following an incident between junction 30 (for Exeter) & 31 (for Okehampton[7]) this morning.

"We are pleased to report that a female located on the wrong side of the railings on a bridge over the M5 has made her way to a safe place and been taken into the care of the emergency services.

"The road has now reopened in both directions.

"We'd like to thank motorists in the area for their patience."

Heavy delays remain in the area as traffic is slowly able to move forward. Keep up with the latest updates on our live blog here[8].

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here to listen - day or night, 365 days a year.

You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org[9].

References

1. ^ Exeter (www.devonlive.com)
2. ^ Devon and Cornwall Police (www.devonlive.com)
3. ^ reports of a concern for welfare of a female (www.devonlive.com)
4. ^ the M5 (www.devonlive.com)
5. ^ six diversions in place (www.devonlive.com)
6. ^ traffic (www.devonlive.com)
7. ^ Okehampton (www.devonlive.com)
8. ^ Keep up with the latest updates on our live blog here (www.devonlive.com)
9. ^ www.samaritans.org (www.samaritans.org)