M5 Southbound Brought to Standstill After Multi-Vehicle Collision

A major incident on the M5 motorway resulted in substantial delays for motorists. The southbound carriageway was brought to a complete standstill following a serious collision. National Highways issued a warning to drivers, advising them to anticipate delays as a result of the incident.

The collision occurred between Junction 14, which serves Thornbury, and Junction 15, the exit for Almondsbury. The incident involved multiple vehicles, leading to the complete blockage of the road. Traffic officers were immediately deployed to the scene to assess the situation and manage the flow of traffic.

Initially, the congestion stretched back for approximately two miles, causing significant disruption for those traveling in the area. The delays began around 7:30 am on July 21st, with two lanes of the motorway closed to facilitate the emergency response and investigation. This closure significantly impacted the morning commute and other travel plans.

National Highways worked to clear the scene and reopen the lanes as quickly as possible. By approximately 9:00 am, all lanes were successfully reopened, allowing traffic to begin flowing again, although residual delays were likely to persist as the backlog of vehicles cleared.

The Avon and Somerset Police were contacted for comment to provide further details regarding the nature of the collision, any injuries sustained, and the ongoing investigation. The incident highlighted the potential for significant disruption on major roadways and the importance of safe driving practices.