M5 Southbound Closed After Fuel Tanker Crash Spill

A serious collision involving a fuel tanker and a car has closed the M5 southbound in Somerset between junctions 22 at Edithmead near Burnham-on-Sea and 23 at Puriton near Bridgwater North, causing a large diesel spill and extensive delays for motorists. The incident occurred shortly before 4:30 a.m., prompting a full closure as emergency services responded to the scene.

National Highways confirmed the crash damaged about 200 meters of the nearside barrier and resulted in a spill of around 32,000 liters of diesel from the tanker's tractor unit. No serious injuries were reported, according to Avon and Somerset Police, and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service verified that no one was trapped in the vehicles. Fire crews, including a hazardous materials officer, remained on site to manage the leak, while most other resources were released after initial assessments. Ambulance services also attended.

Traffic caught behind the closure was released using lane three, but the carriageway has stayed shut for recovery and cleanup. A replacement tanker arrived to transfer the fuel, a process specialists estimated would take several hours before the damaged vehicle could be removed....