**Multi-Vehicle Accident Brings Severn Bridge Traffic to a Halt**
Significant disruption hit motorists on Friday evening following a serious multi-vehicle collision on the Severn Bridge, causing authorities to halt traffic in both directions. The incident unfolded on the M48 as vehicles attempted to cross between Chepstow and Aust, throwing the evening’s travel plans for hundreds of drivers into disarray.
Initial reports from National Highways indicated that emergency services quickly deployed to the bridge after the crash, which involved several vehicles—though the precise number and nature of any injuries are yet to be confirmed by officials. Witnesses described a rapid response by police and ambulance teams as cars sat queued at a complete standstill.
As of 7pm, both eastbound and westbound lanes of the iconic crossing were closed off to all traffic, meaning those travelling towards Gloucestershire or back into Wales faced lengthy delays or the need to find alternative routes. Motorists were advised by Traffic Wales and National Highways to remain patient and avoid the area if possible, with further updates promised once the scene was made safe.
A statement released by Traffic Wales warned: “Collision on M48 Severn Bridge eastbound. Traffic is currently on stop as emergency services are at the scene.” They reiterated that safety was their immediate priority and thanked affected travellers for their understanding while crews assessed the situation.
Details regarding the cause of the crash remain unclear at this stage, and the length of the closure could not be estimated as the evening unfolded. For many regular commuters and those embarking on early weekend travel, the closure marked a significant inconvenience, leading to heavy congestion in the surrounding road network.
Meanwhile, local authorities have reminded drivers to check for ongoing travel updates and use digital resources such as live blogs and traffic apps to stay informed about the status of the bridge and conditions on connecting roads. As the incident developed, many turned to social media and community groups for the latest news, highlighting the level of concern among those potentially impacted.
Transport officials and emergency personnel have become well-versed in dealing with such occurrences on the busy crossings between England and Wales, but closures of this scale remain relatively rare. The Severn Bridge is a vital artery connecting the two countries and even brief incidents can have widespread knock-on effects, both for commuters and the local economy reliant on efficient transport links.
While the priority for emergency services remains the welfare of those involved and the swift reopening of the bridge, questions are likely to follow about how such incidents might be prevented in the future. Calls for reviewing safety procedures and improving communication with the public during major traffic disruptions are common after significant road traffic accidents.
As the evening progressed, updates remained forthcoming from both official transport portals and eyewitnesses on the ground. Motorists were encouraged to adhere to police instructions, and anyone with direct knowledge of the incident was urged to contact the relevant authorities to assist with investigations.
Further bulletins on the condition of the bridge, the wellbeing of those involved, and the estimated time for clearance and reopening are expected as emergency response teams work to bring the situation under control. The disruption serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of motorway travel and the importance of remaining patient and vigilant on the region’s roads.