M5 closed after four-vehicle crash causes chaos on major motorway as emergency services rush to scene
THE M5 closed northbound after a four-vehicle crash caused chaos on the major motorway early this morning.
The horror smash occurred near Cribbs Causeway in South Gloucestershire heading north from Bristol.
Traffic is stationary on the northbound motorway from junction 18 for the M49 to junction 17 for Cribbs Causeway.
Commuters have been held up from around 6.20am and there have been reports of delays of up to 70 minutes.
Heavy traffic is currently queueing on the northbound carriageway for around six miles.
Cops confirmed this morning that the incident on the M5 Northbound was a collision.
Avon and Somerset Police said this resulted in a “small” vehicle fire which was quickly put out by the fire service, who attended the scene for support.
The police spokesperson added that “one or two people” were checked over at the scene by the ambulance service.
However, it did not appear that anyone needed to be taken to hospital.
Drivers on the M5 are now facing delays of up to 70 minutes, as traffic queues from Cribbs Causeway all the way back to Tickenham, near Clevedon.
An update on Inrix at 7.30am read: “M5 Northbound exit slip road closed, severe delays, two lanes closed due to vehicle fire at J17 A4018 (Cribbs Causeway).
“Congestion to all the way back to J19 (Portishead). Travel time is around 70 minutes.
“The road was blocked for around an hour but it has now been reopened, however two lanes remain closed on the main carriageway and the exit slip road at J17 is also closed.”
Another M5 collision caused issues this morning as two lorries and a car were involved in an incident on the southbound entry slip road from the Avonmouth Spur at junction 18 for the M49.
This collision has since been cleared.
Avon and Somerset Police said in a statement: “The M5 is closed northbound between J18A (M49) and J17 (Cribbs Causeway) following a four-vehicle collision that happened at about 6am today (Wednesday 15 January).
“Emergency services are at the scene.
“It’s not believed anyone has sustained any serious injury.”