A multi-vehicle crash on the M5 motorway near Birmingham caused delays of up to 80 minutes for motorists on Tuesday morning. The incident involved three cars and a van, leading to significant disruption on the northbound carriageway between junctions 4 and 3.
Details of the Crash
The collision occurred at approximately 8:15 am on the M5 northbound near the junction with the M42, a key route for commuters heading into Birmingham. Emergency services, including West Midlands Police and paramedics, were dispatched to the scene. One lane was closed to facilitate the response and vehicle recovery, causing queues to stretch back five miles.
According to National Highways, the average speed on the affected stretch dropped to 10 mph, with drivers facing a 30-minute delay initially, which later extended to 80 minutes as the recovery operation continued. The closure was lifted by around 10:30 am, but residual congestion persisted for several hours.
Impact on Traffic
The crash caused widespread disruption across the region. Motorists were advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes, such as using the A38 or A456. Traffic monitoring service Inrix reported that congestion affected the M5 as far back as junction 5 at Bromsgrove, with knock-on effects on local roads including the A491 and A448.
One driver, who was stuck in the queue for over an hour, said: "It was chaos. I left home early to avoid the rush, but ended up sitting still for nearly 80 minutes. I hope everyone involved is okay." The West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed they treated two people for minor injuries at the scene, but no one was seriously hurt.
Emergency Response and Recovery
Fire crews from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service also attended to ensure the vehicles were safe. The van involved had overturned, requiring specialist equipment to right it. A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "We were called to a collision on the M5 northbound near junction 4. Three cars and a van were involved. One lane was closed while we dealt with the incident. We thank drivers for their patience."
National Highways deployed traffic officers to manage the scene and provide updates via variable message signs. The recovery operation was completed by late morning, and all lanes were reopened by 11:00 am.
Advice for Motorists
Drivers are reminded to check traffic conditions before setting out, especially during peak hours. The M5 is a major artery for commuters and freight traffic, and incidents like this can cause significant delays. National Highways recommends using apps or radio updates for real-time information. They also advise maintaining safe distances and reducing speed in adverse conditions.
This incident comes amid a series of crashes on West Midlands motorways this month, prompting calls for increased safety measures. However, police have not yet confirmed the cause of this particular crash, and investigations are ongoing.
