A 17-year-old girl has died after being hit by a car while on foot on the M5 motorway in Somerset.
The road is closed southbound after the incident between junctions 24 for Bridgwater and 25 for Taunton.
The collision involving the teenager and a car happened around 11pm on Monday, Avon and Somerset Police said. The girl died at the scene.
Southbound lanes between J24 and J25 are expected to stay closed until further notice while police carry out enquiries. Northbound lanes are now open, National Highways said.
Police said the victim’s next of kin had been notified and are being supported by a specially-trained officer.
No-one else was injured in the incident.
A mandatory referral has also been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to prior police contact.
In an update on social media, National Highways said the southbound lanes will remain closed until at least midday.
Motorists are being diverted around the closure via the A38 – which is also now facing long delays as commuters set off on their journeys.
A statement from National Highways South West said: “M5 in Somerset remains closed Southbound from J24 Bridgwater to J25 Taunton due to a Police led incident.
“ALL LANES ARE NOW OPEN NORTHBOUND.
“Delays of 90 minutes S/b, 8 miles of congestion. 20 minute delays N/b, 2 miles of congestion.
“The M5 S/b is due to re-open soon.”
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage is urged to call 101 and give the call handler the reference of log number 1170 of 11 November.
