M5 crash: Tragedy as girl, 17, dies after being struck by car on busy motorway

Avon and Somerset Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to prior police contact with the girl, who died at the scene near Taunton, Somerset

A 17-year-old girl has died after being struck by a car on the M5 motorway in Somerset.

Avon and Somerset Police said the incident occurred at about 11pm on Monday evening, with the teenager dying at the scene. The M5 is closed in both directions between junction 24 for Bridgwater, Somerset and junction 25 for Taunton in the same county and is expected to remain closed for some time while police carry out enquiries.

Police said the victim's next of kin have been notified and are being supported by a specially-trained officer. No one else was injured in the incident.

A mandatory referral has also been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to prior police contact. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage is urged to call 101 and give the call handler the reference of log number 1170 of 11 November.

It comes after a lorry driver died during a horrific crash on the M6 motorway, in which his HGV overturned, sparking road closures. Lancashire Police said they are appealing for witnesses after being contacted about a serious collision on the M6 on Wednesday last week.

The heavy goods vehicle (HGV) was travelling northbound when it veered into the opposite carriageway, colliding with several other vehicles as it did.

The driver of the HGV was a man in his 50s, who was tragically pronounced dead at the scene, police added. The driver of a Ford Transit, a man in his 40s, and the driver of a Suzuki Swift, a woman also in her 40s, suffered serious injuries and were rushed to hospital. Another three individuals suffered minor injuries in the collision, which involved 10 vehicles in total.

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