Drivers faced nightmarish conditions on the M5 motorway this Friday afternoon after a serious incident involving an overturned vehicle brought traffic to a grinding halt.
The collision occurred on the southbound carriageway between junctions 19 and 20 near the Gordano Services, prompting emergency services to close two lanes during the critical Friday rush hour period.
Chaos During Peak Travel
National Highways confirmed the incident just after 3:30 PM, warning motorists of significant delays stretching back several miles. Traffic cameras captured extensive queues forming as emergency crews worked to clear the scene and attend to those involved.
Travel time through the affected section stretched to over an hour as traffic backed up towards Clevedon and Portishead. Northbound travellers also experienced knock-on delays as rubbernecking slowed the opposite carriageway.
Emergency Response
Multiple emergency service vehicles were dispatched to the scene, including police, ambulance, and recovery teams. The exact circumstances of how the vehicle overturned remain under investigation, though early reports suggest it was a single-vehicle incident.
Motorists planning to use the M5 southbound were advised to seek alternative routes or allow substantial extra time for their journeys. The incident caused particular disruption for weekend travellers beginning their getaways and commercial vehicles making essential deliveries.
Recovery Operation Underway
Recovery teams worked diligently to remove the overturned vehicle and clear debris from the carriageway. National Highways traffic officers managed the scene while coordinating with emergency services to ensure the safety of all involved.
By late afternoon, one lane remained closed as investigations continued and cleanup operations progressed. Normal traffic conditions were expected to resume by early evening, though residual delays persisted throughout the region.
