5 Nov 2011

Seven dead after ‘horrific’ M5 crash

Home Affairs Correspondent

Seven people are dead after a pile-up on the M5 in Somerset which triggered a “massive fireball”, as the AA’s Edmund King tells Channel 4 News tailgating is a bigger motorway risk than speeding.

Police have revealed 34 cars and lorries were involved in the devastating crash described by emergency workers as “the worst road traffic collision anyone can remember”.

Avon and Somerset Police said “at least” seven people lost their lives and the number is expected to rise. There are 51 casualties in total.

The smash happened in wet and foggy conditions on the M5 near Taunton. A firework display was also taking place at a nearby rugby club.

Assistant Chief Constable Anthony Bangham described the smash as “horrific”. He told reporters some passengers were unable to escape from their burning cars.

“At around 8.25pm [on Friday] there was a multiple collision around junction 25 of the northbound carriageway of the M5,” he said.

“The accident resulted in a large number of casualties.

On arrival crews were faced with literally one massive fireball. Asst Chief Constable Anthony Bangham

“The emergency services have been working tirelessly. The incident was very, very challenging and on arrival crews were faced with literally one massive fireball.

“Most vehicles were well alight and most continued to burn for a considerable time. This made it very difficult to search the vehicles. Some of them have been burned to the ground.”

Edmund King, president of the AA, said the scale of the crash was similar to one on the M4 near Hungerford in Berkshire in 1991. In foggy conditions 10 died and 25 were injured in a 51 vehicle smash, he said.

Mr King told Channel 4 News tailgating likely played a part.

He said: “We need a tailgating offence and I’d much rather see the authorities clamping down on tailgating on motorways than on speeding.

“Even in good weather if you’re too close to the car in front it can be fatal, but in conditions like last night – people don’t have a chance.

“We also need to look at heavy vehicle fuel tank safety and design.

Car fuel tanks are generally safer now than lorries – they are made of thick plastic and are hidden away. With lorries and tankers many of those fuel tanks are often in view and aren’t as safe.”

Police said the motorway is expected to remain closed for at least the next 24 hours while emergency workers recover bodies and clear debris.

Transport Secretary Justine Greening expressed her sympathy with the familes of those affected and thanked rescue workers and emergency staff who worked throughout the night to help the injured.

The emergency number for worried relatives is 0800 092 0410