The M5 motorway near Burnham-on-Sea has reopened after a serious multi-vehicle collision caused significant disruption on Monday evening, August 10. The crash, involving four vehicles, occurred at approximately 5:25pm between junction 22 (Burnham-on-Sea) and junction 23 (A39 Bridgwater).
Following the incident, the motorway was closed in both directions, leading to extensive traffic queues. Initially, motorists faced delays of around 30 minutes, compounded on the opposite carriageway by congestion caused by rubbernecking.
Witnesses reported seeing numerous emergency vehicles at the scene, including what appeared to be an air ambulance. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that one individual sustained injuries described as “life-changing” and was taken to hospital. Emergency services remained on site, and drivers were advised to plan their journeys accordingly.
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By 6:30pm, traffic monitoring service Inrix reported “long delays” due to the collision involving a car and motorcycle. Northbound congestion extended as far as junction 24 (Bridgwater South). Additionally, secondary roads such as the A38 Bristol Road and routes around Highbridge, Alstone, and Bridgwater city centre experienced heavy congestion as drivers sought alternative routes.
Just after 6:35pm, authorities confirmed the motorway had been fully reopened. Despite the clearance, it is expected that residual traffic queues will take some time to dissipate entirely.