Man Dies in M5 Crash After Traffic Slows During Emergency Roadblock to Clear Debris

A man has died following a devastating two-vehicle collision on the M5 motorway in Somerset, England, after traffic was slowed by a rolling roadblock introduced to clear debris from the road. Police are now appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage as investigators work to establish exactly what happened.

The crash occurred at around 1:10 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, on the northbound carriageway between Junction 25 near Taunton and Junction 24 near Bridgwater South. A rolling roadblock had been put in place because debris was scattered across the motorway, forcing vehicles to slow down as safety measures were carried out.

According to Avon and Somerset Police, the two vehicles collided shortly afterward at the rear of the traffic queue. Emergency personnel rushed to respond, but despite their efforts, the man involved in the crash died at the scene. His family has been informed of the tragic news and is receiving support from a specialist family liaison officer.

The collision triggered major disruption across the motorway, with both carriageways closed during the initial emergency response. The southbound side reopened within a few hours, but the northbound carriageway remained shut while officers examined the scene and gathered evidence. Diversions remained in place until around midnight, leaving motorists facing lengthy delays.

Police have stressed that a detailed investigation is underway. Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Team are collecting forensic evidence and securing photographs and video footage to help reconstruct the moments leading up to the crash. Investigators are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or may have captured relevant footage on a dashcam.

Authorities have urged drivers who were travelling through the area at the time to come forward with any information that could assist the investigation. Anyone with details is asked to contact Avon and Somerset Police on 101, quoting reference number 5226336391.

As investigators continue their work, the man’s death has left his family facing an unimaginable loss. Police have thanked motorists for their patience during the extensive closures and are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.

Source: The Sun — https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/40685574/man-killed-m5-crash-road-block/

Additional source: Avon and Somerset Police — https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/news/2026/10/appeal-following-fatal-collision-on-m5-near-taunton/