**Tragic Motorway Crash Claims Three Lives, Child Critical as M5 Remains Closed**
A devastating car accident on the M5 motorway in south Gloucestershire has resulted in the deaths of two adults and a teenager, while a young child continues to fight for life in hospital. The incident, which took place late on Friday evening, has left the affected stretch of motorway closed in both directions as authorities continue their investigation and recovery works.
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 9pm, following reports that a white BMW had left the northbound carriageway between junction 14 and the Michaelwood services. Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed this was a single-vehicle collision and there were no other cars involved. The precise circumstances leading to the vehicle leaving the road remain under investigation.
Tragically, the collision claimed the lives of two adults, both believed to be in their 40s, as well as a teenager who was travelling in the car. Their identities have not yet been made public pending formal identification and notification of next of kin. A second child, who was also a passenger in the vehicle, suffered serious injuries and was transported to hospital, where they are said to be in a critical condition.
Inspector Mark Vicary, from the roads policing unit, expressed his deep sympathies for those affected. “Our thoughts first and foremost are with the child in hospital and with loved ones who have received the most awful news overnight,” he said. Specialist officers have been assigned to support the bereaved family during this immensely difficult time, a routine measure in such fatal incidents.
Crews from local police, ambulance and fire services worked throughout the night at what Inspector Vicary described as a “highly complex” scene. He praised the diligence and professionalism of all first responders, noting their collective efforts to save lives amid such tragic circumstances. Despite their rapid response and tireless work, the severity of the incident left little chance for survival for three of the vehicle’s occupants.
Due to the complexity of the investigation and the need for both vehicle recovery and thorough examination of the crash site, the M5 remains closed on Saturday morning. Inspector Vicary explained that National Highways teams are also involved, conducting assessments and potentially repairing the carriageway before the motorway can be safely reopened to the public.
Authorities estimate that the motorway closure will remain in force for several more hours. The incident has caused significant delays and disruptions, particularly as it coincides with the end of the half-term school holidays, leading to increased levels of traffic and travel. Police are urging travellers to consider alternative routes and plan for potential delays while against emphasising public understanding, given the nature of the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, police are appealing for witnesses or anyone who may have dashcam footage from the area at the time of the crash to come forward. Those able to assist have been asked to contact Avon and Somerset Police online or via 101, quoting incident reference number 5225151145.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable dangers present on the UK’s busy motorway network. As families mourn loved ones and the community comes to terms with the loss, questions remain over the causes behind the devastating crash – questions authorities hope to answer in the coming days.
Updates are expected as police progress in their inquiry and the motorway work is completed. The M5 will reopen as soon as it is deemed safe to do so, and the public are advised to monitor traffic bulletins for the latest information.