Why Was the M5 Closed for 8 Hours Between Taunton and Bridgwater?

Quick answer: A two-vehicle crash closed the M5 in both directions between junctions 25 (Taunton) and 24 (Bridgwater) in Somerset on 12 October 2026. One person was airlifted to hospital and another was taken to hospital by land ambulance.

Key facts

• What: Two-vehicle serious crash
• Where: M5 between J25 Taunton and J24 Bridgwater, Somerset, England
• When: 12 October 2026, around 5:30am
• Reported toll: 2 injured; no deaths reported
• Status: road reopened after around eight hours

What happened

The crash happened at around 5:30am on Monday 12 October 2026 on the M5 between Taunton and Bridgwater. Emergency services attended, including the air ambulance. A woman was taken to hospital by air ambulance and a man was taken to hospital by land ambulance.

The motorway was closed in both directions while emergency services worked at the scene and the vehicles were cleared. The southbound carriageway reopened first, followed by the northbound carriageway, after around eight hours of closure. Drivers faced delays of around 90 minutes while the road was shut.

Why the closure lasted so long

A serious crash on a motorway usually means a full closure while police investigate, casualties are treated and the carriageway is cleared and checked. On a strategic route like the M5, which links the South West with the Midlands, even a partial closure quickly produces long queues, and a full closure in both directions leaves drivers with few alternatives.

National Highways and police reopened the carriageways in stages once the scene was safe. The southbound side reopened first, with the northbound side following later, and delays eased as the carriageways reopened.

What happens next

Police will investigate the cause of the crash. If the investigation finds a driving offence, the drivers involved could face charges. The injured people are expected to continue their recovery, and the incident will feed into road-safety data for the M5 corridor.

Frequently asked questions

Why was the M5 closed between Taunton and Bridgwater?

A two-vehicle serious crash closed the motorway in both directions between junctions 25 and 24 on 12 October 2026 while emergency services treated casualties and cleared the scene.

How many people were injured in the M5 crash?

Two people were injured. One was taken to hospital by air ambulance and the other by land ambulance. No deaths were reported.

How long was the M5 closed?

The motorway was closed in both directions for around eight hours, with the southbound carriageway reopening first and the northbound side following.

Is the M5 open now?

Yes. Both carriageways reopened on 12 October 2026 and delays cleared later that day.