A tragic incident on the M5 motorway has claimed the life of an 18-year-old man, shortly after he exited an ambulance that had stopped on the hard shoulder.
Details of the M5 Motorway Incident
The events unfolded on Sunday night, sometime after 11pm. The teenager was being transported to hospital when the ambulance he was in pulled over on the northbound carriageway between junctions 20 and 21, near Clevedon. Paramedics were attempting to provide further treatment when the young man decided to leave the vehicle.
An on-duty police officer came across the scene and tried to guide the man to safety at the roadside. However, a short time later, he was struck by a car travelling on the southbound carriageway and died at the scene.
Police Response and Investigation
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that the teenager's family have been informed and are being supported by a specially trained liaison officer. The force also stated that the M5 was closed following the collision and remained shut until Monday morning to allow for a thorough investigation at the scene.
In a significant development, Avon and Somerset Police has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The force's Professional Standards Department initiated the referral, and the IOPC has already begun an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Statements and Welfare Support
Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall expressed the force's profound sympathy. "Our thoughts are with the man's family at such a devastating time. We will support them in any way we can," she said.
ACC Hall acknowledged the deep impact on emergency service personnel, stating: "This incident has had a significant effect on our officers and ambulance crews who are understandably incredibly upset by what happened."
The police are ensuring welfare support is available not only for their staff and the ambulance crew but also for members of the public who were directly involved or witnessed the traumatic event. The force has pledged its full cooperation with the IOPC's independent investigation.
