A two-vehicle collision forced the closure of the M5 in both directions between Taunton and Bridgwater in Somerset on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
One person was airlifted to hospital, while another was treated at the scene, according to initial reports.
National Highways said traffic was stopped between Junction 25 for Taunton and Junction 24 near Bridgwater South.
Drivers were advised to find alternative routes as emergency crews attended the motorway.
Emergency Response and Traffic Impact
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed the closure and the response in a statement carried by SomersetLive.
The force said one person was taken to hospital by land ambulance and another was being treated at the scene.
The Avon and Somerset Roads Policing Unit also confirmed the closure following the two-vehicle collision.
SomersetLive reported that the collision initially caused delays in both directions, with National Highways warning of waits of about 30 minutes.
Traffic monitoring service Inrix recorded congestion along the affected section of the motorway.
Inrix initially described all traffic being temporarily held and stationary in both directions from J25 A358 (Taunton) to J24 A38 Taunton Road (Bridgwater South).
The disruption spread to nearby roads, particularly routes through North Petherton toward Bridgwater.
Motorists described heavy congestion as emergency vehicles made their way to the scene.
One driver said the northbound approach to Taunton was gridlocked, while another reported North Petherton was already gridlocked toward Bridgwater.
A third driver said they were stuck for 25 minutes with the engine off as two ambulances and a police car passed along the hard shoulder.
Another road user reported that traffic had stopped on both sides of the motorway near the affected junctions.
As the response continued, Inrix reported that the southbound carriageway had reopened while the northbound side remained closed.
National Highways advised northbound drivers to leave the motorway at Junction 25 and follow the signed diversion via the A358 Toneway and A38 toward Bridgwater.
Drivers were directed to continue to Sedgemoor Roundabout before taking the link road back to Junction 24 and rejoining the M5 northbound.
Emergency services attending included Avon and Somerset Police, South West Ambulance Service, Somerset and Devon Fire & Rescue, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, and National Highways traffic officers.
The reported casualty was taken to hospital, while another person received treatment at the scene.
