M5 likely to remain shut all morning - as police refer itself to watchdog after 17-year-old's death
The M5 is closed in both directions between Bridgwater and Taunton
Last updated 12th Nov 2024
Drivers are being warned the M5 is unlikely to reopen until lunchtime
Investigations are continuing after a 17-year-old girl died at the scene last night following a collision, involving a pedestrian and a car, at around 11pm between junctions 24 (Bridgwater) and 25 (Taunton)
The teenager's next of kin have been informed and police say they are now being supported by a specially trained officer -adding that 'our thoughts are with them'.
A police spokesperson has told us: "A mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to recent prior police contact.
The M5 is expected to remain closed for some time while enquiries are carried out.
No one else was injured in the collision.
The latest traffic and travel information can be found here
If you witnessed the collision or have any dashcam footage which could help our investigation, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference of log number 1170 of 11 November.
A spokesperson for Highways England said: "A diversion is in place between the two junctions using the parallel A38 but drivers are advised to avoid the area and delay journeys or seek alternative routes should they wish to avoid heavy congestion, especially through the rest of this morning’s peak travel period."