6 Nov 2011

‘Smoke not fog’ across M5 at time of deadly crash

Police leading the investigation into Friday’s pile-up on the M5 motorway in Somerset believe “smoke not fog” caused poor visibility. A firework display took place nearby minutes earlier.

No further bodies found after M5 fireball crash. (Getty)

The cause of the smash is now the focus for police investigators as officers confirm they do not expect to find further bodies in the burnt-out vehicles left scattered along the carriageway on Friday night.

A firework display taking place at nearby Taunton Rugby Club the same evening is now being considered a key factor in the tragedy.

Assistant Chief Constable Anthony Bangham, the police incident commander, told reporters there was a “significant amount of smoke going across the carriageway”, similar to a “bank of fog”.

The club’s secretary has confirmed it is helping police with their inquiries and a formal club statement is due to be released.

Read more: Seven dead after 'horrific' M5 crash

Earlier, he confirmed the death toll is not expected to rise, although he cannot rule it out.

“Overnight all the vehicles involved in this tragic incident have been removed from the scene,” he explained.

“Our worst fears have not been realised and the number of those that sadly lost their lives remains at seven.

“Extensive work has been carried out to identify those people and families are being appointed family liaison officers to support them. Formal identification has not taken place – this will happen in the coming days.

“We are now working with our partners to carry out the required work on the carriageway and open the road as soon as it is safe to do so. We thank everyone for their support and patience at this extremely difficult time.”

The M5 between junction 24 and 25 remains closed and motorists have been asked to avoid the area if possible and delay any unnecessary journeys.

‘Real bravery’

As officials attempt to piece together exactly what caused the tragedy, tales of courage by members of the public caught up in the chaos are emerging.

Thomas Hamell, 25, who was just seconds away from avoiding the crash, revealed how he carried a baby to safety as cars ploughed into the debris at 70mph.

The teacher from Wells in Somerset had just joined the motorway in a Renault Megane with his girlfriend Katherine Lane, 24, and father George Hamell, 56, when they came to a “wall of lorries” – one of which jacknifed in front of them.

We were incredibly lucky. The woman who gave her child, her car was wiped out. It was utter carnage. Thomas Hamell

Two other lorries jacknifed behind them, creating a safe area that enabled them to leave the car and go to the aid of a shocked mother with a young baby as trapped motorists screamed in their cars around them.

“We just carried on to a safe distance about 20 metres away,” he said.

“We were incredibly lucky. The woman who gave her child, her car was wiped out. It was utter carnage.”

Mr Bangham commended the “real bravery” shown by members of the public who had arrived quickly on the scene and tried to help others.