Friday 4 November 2011

M5 in Somerset closed both directions by major pile-up


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At least 10 people have been injured, seven of them seriously, in a crash on the M5 in Somerset involving 26 vehicles.
Four of the victims had to be cut free by fire crews called to the scene, between junctions 23 and 26.
Two lorries were among four vehicles which are said to have caught fire in the accident shortly before 20:30 GMT.
One witness described the scene as "horrific". Motorists are being asked to avoid the area.
A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said there were 10 casualties with seven people described as being in a serious condition.
He said he could not recall having a road traffic collision on this scale for some time in this area.
Around 50 firefighters are at the scene along with 15 fire engines from Taunton, Glastonbury, Bridgwater, Wiveliscombe, Wellington, Burnham on Sea and Yeovil.
Visibility poor Simon Bruford, 38, from Willerton, in Somerset, said he was driving southbound when he passed the scene with his wife and son.
He described the scene as one of "total carnage".
"I could see the flames from quite a way back.
"I spent 18 years in the Somerset fire service and have seen a lot nasty things, but that was horrific."
Tim Shires, 29, from Bristol, got caught in the southbound traffic on his way to Plymouth for work.
He said a police officer was warning drivers not to expect to be moving for quite a few hours.
"We've been told a couple of helicopters could land on the carriageway," he said.
"I've heard helicopters up above but nothing has landed but it's foggy and visibility is poor."
Avon and Somerset Police said the M5 was "likely to be closed for 24 hours" and appealed for drivers to avoid the area because of "huge tailbacks".

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