On a quiet Sunday night, November 30, 2025, tragedy struck on the M5 motorway in North Somerset, leaving emergency responders and a family reeling from the loss of a young life. An 18-year-old man, whose identity has not yet been released, died after exiting an ambulance and being struck by a car, according to statements from Avon and Somerset Police and various news outlets including Sky News, BBC, and The Sun.
The chain of events began just after 11pm, when paramedics transporting the teenager to hospital stopped the ambulance between junctions 20 (Clevedon) and 21 (Weston-super-Mare) to provide him with further treatment. For reasons not yet made public, the young man left the vehicle while it was stationary on the northbound carriageway. It was then that the situation took a harrowing turn.
As reported by BBC, an on-duty police officer came across the scene and attempted to bring the man to safety along the side of the motorway. Despite these efforts, the teenager managed to make his way onto the carriageway, where he was struck by a car traveling southbound. Emergency services responded rapidly, but the man died at the scene. The precise details of why he left the ambulance remain part of an ongoing investigation.
Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall of Avon and Somerset Police expressed the collective grief that has enveloped those involved. In a statement echoed across several outlets, she said, "Our thoughts are with the man’s family at such a devastating time. We will support them in any way we can." She went on to note the deep emotional toll the incident has taken on both police officers and ambulance crews: "This incident has had a significant effect on our officers and ambulance crews who are understandably incredibly upset by what happened. As well as providing support to the man’s family, we are also making sure that the appropriate welfare arrangements are in place for our staff and also for those members of the public who were either directly involved or who witnessed the incident."
The impact of the tragedy was not limited to those directly involved. The M5 motorway was closed in both directions for nearly 10 hours, as emergency services worked through the night to investigate and clear the scene. The closure, which stretched between Clevedon and Weston-super-Mare, caused significant disruption for motorists, but authorities emphasized the necessity of thorough investigation and safety for all.
Jane Whichello, representing the South Western Ambulance Service, also offered condolences and recognized the efforts of first responders. As quoted by the BBC, she said, "We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the man involved in this incredibly sad incident. Alongside police colleagues, our crews put their own safety at risk to help the patient and reduce the risk of harm to passing motorists, and I would like to thank them for their efforts. Our thoughts are also with the driver of the vehicle involved in the collision."
The circumstances surrounding the man’s decision to exit the ambulance, and the subsequent response by emergency services, have prompted a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Avon and Somerset Police’s Professional Standards Department initiated the referral, and the IOPC has already begun an independent investigation into the sequence of events. Assistant Chief Constable Hall assured the public and the family that the force "will fully cooperate" with the IOPC’s efforts.
In the aftermath, the young man’s family has been notified and is receiving support from a specially trained police liaison officer. The emotional toll on witnesses, emergency responders, and the driver involved in the collision has not gone unnoticed. Authorities have taken steps to ensure that welfare arrangements are in place for all affected, acknowledging that such incidents leave lasting scars.
While the motorway has since reopened, the investigation continues. The IOPC’s involvement is standard protocol in incidents where police actions or presence are linked to a death or serious injury. The goal is to provide a transparent and independent review of what happened, ensuring accountability and learning for the future. As Sky News reported, police and ambulance staff are "incredibly upset" by the incident, highlighting the human cost that first responders often bear in the line of duty.
This rare and tragic event has also prompted broader questions about patient safety and emergency protocols. Why did the patient feel compelled to leave the ambulance? Were there any warning signs or circumstances that could have been addressed differently? While such questions may linger, officials have refrained from speculation, emphasizing that the IOPC’s investigation must be allowed to run its course.
For the public, the story is a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of emergencies and the risks faced by both patients and responders. Motorways, by their very design, are hazardous environments for anyone on foot, and the events of that Sunday night underscore the importance of vigilance, communication, and support in crisis situations.
In the coming weeks, the IOPC’s findings will likely shed more light on the precise sequence of events and any lessons that can be learned. For now, the focus remains on supporting those affected and honoring the memory of a young man whose life ended far too soon. As Assistant Chief Constable Hall summed up, "We will support them in any way we can."
Somerset’s emergency services, often unsung heroes, now find themselves both at the center of a tragedy and the heart of a community’s response. Their actions—marked by courage, compassion, and professionalism—are a testament to the difficult realities of their work. As the region looks for answers and healing, the story stands as a poignant chapter in the ongoing narrative of those who serve on the front lines.
