Exeter gridlocked after seven-vehicle M5 crash

Evening commuters are stuck in long queues on the M5 in Devon after a serious crash involving seven vehicles. National Highways said six cars and a lorry collided on the motorway in the northbound direction, between junctions 29 and 28 near Exeter.

All traffic was held for around half an hour at 4.10pm today (October 24) while emergency services rushed to the scene. One woman sustained injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing and was seen by paramedics.

Two lanes remain closed and there are around five miles of queues building up behind the crash, with delays of around 45 minutes according to National Highways. The seven vehicles involved, one lorry and six cars, are in the process of being moved to the hard shoulder.

Sharing the update on X, formerly Twitter, Highways said: " #M5 northbound between J29 and J28 near #Exeter 2 lanes (of 3) are closed due to a collision involving 6 cars and 1 lorry Delays of 45 minutes, 5 miles of congestion on the approach All vehicles are being moved to the hard shoulder."

The crash has sparked major traffic across Exeter. Devon Alert said: "#Devon We are seeing higher than expected traffic levels at Moor Lane roundabout and approaches to the motorway. Expect delays."

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police added: "Police were called just before 4pm on Thursday 24 October following reports of a collision involving a car and a lorry on the M5 northbound between junctions 28 and 29 near Cullompton.

"Other vehicles were also caught up in the collision.

"The ambulance service was called after one female was injured. Her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing. One lane is currently moving slowly."