The M5 has fully reopened nearly eight hours after a serious crash was reported earlier today (April 29).
Both carriageways of the motorway saw delays of 90 minutes following the two lorry crash on the M5 northbound between J22 (Burnham-on-Sea) and J21 (Weston-super-Mare). The crash happened at around 1.15pm, but the northbound carriageway didn't fully reopen until just before 9pm.
A lorry driver has died after the crash, while the driver of the second vehicle was taken to hospital to be treated for injuries that are not believed to be life threatening. In a statement released just before 8.30pm, Avon and Somerset Police said: "The M5 northbound between junctions 22 for Burnham-on-Sea and 21 for Weston-super-Mare is expected to fully reopen shortly following a collision between two HGVs which happened at around 1.15pm today (Friday 29 April).
Read more: M5 traffic updates as motorway closed after serious crash - 5 miles of queues and 90-minute delays
"Sadly, the male driver of one of the vehicles was pronounced deceased at the scene. His family have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. The driver of the second vehicle was taken to hospital to be treated for injuries that are not believed to be life threatening.
"If you witnessed the collision and have not yet spoken to police, please make contact on 101, quoting log 445 of 29 April."
A diversion was in place earlier via the A38 to East Brent and the A370. There were 20 miles of queues heading southbound at one point, which was closed to allow the air ambulance to land.
At 9pm, National Highways said there were around five miles of congestion in both directions, and said there were delays of 45 minutes. Earlier, there were delays of up to 90 minutes on the motorway, with the A38 and other routes being used to avoid the M5 also seeing heavy traffic.
