A loose horse brought traffic to a standstill on the M5 in Worcestershire this morning, May 17. The incident left drivers stuck in traffic between junctions 5 and 6 with heavy delays and miles of congestion in both directions.
Reports of the animal first came in at around 8.45am and it is suspected the equine had escaped from a nearby farm. Traffic was held while officers waited for the arrival of a horsebox before capturing the animal shortly after 10am.
Following massive delays and 4.5 miles of congestion on the southbound and three miles of congestion on the northbound carriageway, traffic was released. It is not believed the horse suffered any injuries.
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In their latest update, National Highways said: "Traffic has been released on the M5 in Worcestershire in both directions between J5 Wychbold and J6 Worcester. The horse has been safely transferred and left the area.
"Long delays remain in place, so please allow time for them to ease."
Motorists stuck in traffic took to social media to share their unusual experience. Tom Bradley wrote on Twitter: "How I’m stuck on the M5 cuz there’s a horse on the loose?"
Colin Diamond shared a picture of the escapee saying: "And here’s the M5 horse. Heading down the southbound lanes at a nice slow pace. Pleased it’s safe."
