A tragic incident on the M5 motorway has left emergency service workers deeply shaken after an ambulance patient lost his life despite their urgent efforts.
Shortly after 11 pm on Sunday, November 30, an 18-year-old man receiving treatment in an ambulance on the northbound carriageway between junctions 21 (Weston-super-Mare) and 20 (Clevedon) unexpectedly left the vehicle and walked onto the motorway. A police officer attempted to bring him to safety to protect both him and other motorists.
Tragically, moments later, the young man was struck by a southbound car and died at the scene despite the rapid response of emergency services. His family has been informed and is receiving support from a specially trained liaison officer.
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Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall expressed her condolences: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family during this heartbreaking time. We are committed to supporting them fully.”
She continued, “This incident has had a significant emotional impact on our officers and ambulance crews, who are understandably distressed. We have put welfare measures in place for our staff and for any members of the public directly affected or who witnessed the event.”
A mandatory referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which has commenced an independent investigation. The police have pledged full cooperation.
The M5 was temporarily closed to allow emergency services to manage the situation and conduct inquiries. It reopened on the morning of December 1.
It is important to clarify that Toadpit Medical Services, a provider of medical support at events, was not involved in this incident, correcting previous inaccurate reporting.