Motorists on the M5 experienced significant disruptions this past afternoon due to a multi-vehicle collision. The incident occurred just before rush hour, leaving three people injured and leading to the complete closure of the southbound lane between Junctions 1 and 2, near Oldbury.
The crash, which involved three cars, was reported around 3 PM on November 6. Emergency services quickly arrived on the scene, including the West Midlands Ambulance Service, which dispatched two ambulances alongside a paramedic officer and a team of specialist emergency staff. Upon arrival, they found three men suffering from injuries.
A spokesperson for the ambulance service stated, "One man was treated for injuries not believed to be serious and conveyed to Midlands Metropolitan University Hospital for additional medical attention. The other two men were also treated for injuries but opted not to go to the hospital, receiving self-care advice before being discharged on-site.” Fortunately, none of the injuries were life-threatening.
The M5 remained closed for about two hours following the crash, with police and emergency crews working diligently to clear the scene and assess the situation. This closure caused traffic to back up all the way to the M6 Interchange and affected several surrounding routes as drivers sought to avoid the area. Observers reported queues extending significantly due to not only the initial accident but also onlookers slowing down to view the aftermath.
By approximately 5 PM, the M5 was re-opened to traffic; nonetheless, delays persisted, with motorists still facing wait times of around 20 minutes. National Highways advised those traveling through the area to expect major disruptions to their journeys and to allow extra time for travel.
The accident has sparked conversations about road safety and the importance of adhering to safe driving practices, especially on busy routes like the M5 during peak traffic hours. Authorities emphasized the need for motorists to remain vigilant, adjust their driving behaviors according to current road conditions, and adhere to posted speed limits to prevent similar incidents.
Ironically, the crash occurred during what many described as the most congested time of the day—when commuters were making their way home after work. With many families relying on these major routes for their daily commutes, the disruptions had ripple effects across the Midlands, leading to frustrated drivers stuck on the roads longer than expected.
Although the authorities are still investigating the specific cause of the crash, initial reports suggest it was likely due to driver error or possible adverse weather conditions. It serves as yet another reminder of the unpredictability of traffic incidents on busy motorways.