Major Disruption as M5 Closed After Serious Crashes in Devon
The M5 in Devon has been completely shut down in both directions following two serious crashes that happened late last night, and the disruption has carried on well into today. Police have confirmed that several people were seriously injured in the incidents, and the motorway closure has caused long delays and chaos for drivers in the area.
The first collision took place on Thursday evening near Junction 28 at Cullompton, involving three vehicles: a Vauxhall Zafira, a Ford Ka, and a Porsche Boxster. Emergency services rushed to the scene, and one man was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Just a short time later, around 11pm, another crash was reported near the same stretch of road, leading to even more complications for both traffic and rescue operations.
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Because of the seriousness of the incidents, the motorway was closed from Junction 27 at Sampford Peverell to Junction 28 at Cullompton. Police have said the closures are necessary while extensive investigations are carried out, and motorists have been urged to avoid the area altogether. National Highways confirmed that the road is expected to stay closed for most of the morning, possibly longer, as emergency crews continue their work.
For those trying to get around, diversion routes have been set up, but they are heavily congested. Drivers heading southbound are advised to follow the Solid Square signs, while those travelling northbound should follow the Hollow Diamond diversion symbols. Despite these diversions, delays of 30 to 45 minutes have been reported, with traffic backing up for miles. Some drivers even found themselves trapped on the motorway overnight, as police and highway crews worked to cut through the central reservation to release vehicles caught between the crash sites.
Air ambulance teams were deployed, and multiple fire engines were called out to assist with casualties. By mid-morning today, fire crews confirmed they were no longer on scene, but police investigations remain ongoing. Both Bristol Airport and Exeter Airport have issued warnings to passengers, advising them to allow extra travel time due to the motorway closure and surrounding congestion.
Local roads in areas like Cullompton, Willand, and Pinhoe are also heavily affected, with traffic spilling over as drivers try to find alternative routes. Devon County Council has urged people to plan ahead and be patient, stressing that the disruption is likely to continue until the motorway can be safely reopened.
At this point, it is still unclear when the M5 will fully reopen. Authorities are appealing for witnesses and any dashcam footage that might help with the investigations into both crashes. What is certain is that the motorway remains one of the most critical routes through the region, and its closure has left thousands facing significant delays and uncertainty today.
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