Drivers faced chaotic scenes and lengthy delays on the M5 motorway this afternoon following a serious multi-vehicle collision that brought southbound traffic to a grinding halt.
The incident occurred between Junction 16 for Thornbury and Junction 17 for Cribbs Causeway, causing a significant build-up of congestion that stretched back towards the critical Almondsbury Interchange. Emergency services, including police and ambulance crews, were swiftly dispatched to the scene to manage the situation and attend to those involved.
Travel Chaos and Extensive Delays
National Highways confirmed the collision, warning motorists of severe disruptions. Traffic monitoring systems showed stationary vehicles and queues lengthening by the minute. Some travellers reported being stuck in the ensuing jam for over 90 minutes with little movement, turning the key route into a car park.
Long tailbacks also formed on the M4 westbound as traffic approaching the Almondsbury Interchange began to slow in response to the problems further down the M5. The ripple effect caused widespread disruption across the local road network throughout the afternoon.
Recovery Operation and Road Clearance
Recovery vehicles were sent to the scene to clear the damaged vehicles and work towards reopening all lanes. Drivers were strongly advised to avoid the area entirely if possible, seeking alternative routes to continue their journeys. For those already caught in the congestion, patience was the only option as crews worked to make the scene safe.
The cause of the multi-vehicle pile-up is not yet known, and an investigation is likely to follow once the immediate recovery operation is complete. Motorists are urged to check the latest travel updates from National Highways before embarking on journeys in the region this evening.
