A horror four-vehicle crash has sparked traffic chaos on the M5 during rush hour this morning, with motorists facing delays of up to 70 minutes. The collision occurred near Cribbs Causeway, South Gloucestershire, around 6 am on January 15, 2025. Avon and Somerset Police reported the crash resulted in a "small" vehicle fire, which was quickly put out by the fire service. Fortunately, no serious injuries have been reported.
The M5 was closed northbound from junction 18A for the M49 to junction 17 for Cribbs Causeway, resulting in significant delays. Motorists were held up from approximately 6:20 am as congestion grew to around six miles long. Avon and Somerset Police stated, "The M5 is closed northbound between J18A (M49) and J17 (Cribbs Causeway) following a four-vehicle collision at 6 am today. Emergency services are at the scene. It's not believed anyone has sustained any serious injury."
Firefighters arrived quickly after the incident, with the Avon Fire and Rescue Service describing the large HGV as "well alight". Crews from Avonmouth, Southmead, and Patchway utilized two 45mm covering jets and one high-pressure hose reel to extinguish the flames, as two firefighters donned breathing apparatus for safety. According to the fire service, "Firefighters remained to make the scene safe ahead of vehicle recovery.”
Despite the quick response, the aftermath saw the main carriageway reopening at 7:20 am but with lane closures continuing throughout the morning. Traffic maps and the traffic monitoring site INRIx reported severe delays, with travel times soaring up to 70 minutes between Cribbs Causeway and Portishead at junction 19.
Initial reports suggested traffic was stationary, backing up from junction 18 for the M49 and extending past junction 20. At one point, delays reached almost 90 minutes as emergency crews worked diligently to clear the scene. Eventually, after hours of congestion, the motorway was freed up, with all lanes reopening around 9:50 am.
Drivers experienced queuing from Cribbs Causeway back to Tickenham, near Clevedon. National Highways later stated, "Normal traffic conditions are expected to return by midday." With the exit slip road at junction 17 for Cribbs Causeway expected to remain closed for most of the morning, additional chaos ensued locally with traffic diversions put in place.
Further complicaciting matters, another incident on the southbound entry slip road at the same time involved two lorries and another vehicle, leading to additional delays, though this was cleared shortly thereafter. Reports indicated how earlier vehicle fires and accidents had caused notable disarray on the motorway.
This incident is the latest reminder of the vulnerability of major travel routes, especially during peak hours. Local residents and commuters are advised to remain cautious and to follow real-time updates to navigate effectively around the M5 and surrounding areas. With quick responses from emergency services ensuring minimal harm resulted from the crash, it serves as both a relief and cautionary tale for travelers.
Officials stress the importance of remaining vigilant on the roads and being prepared for potential disruptions, especially during busy commutes. While this incident caused major traffic headaches, drivers can avert future troubles by staying updated on live traffic conditions through services like INRIx and Google Maps.