A teenager has died in a tragic incident on the M5 motorway in North Somerset after exiting an ambulance and being struck by a car. The 18-year-old was being transported to hospital when the emergency vehicle stopped on the northbound carriageway.
Details of the Tragic Motorway Incident
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that the fatal collision happened late on Sunday night, shortly after 11pm. The ambulance was travelling between junction 21 for Weston-super-Mare and junction 20 for Clevedon when it stopped to provide the patient with further treatment. It was at this point that the young man got out of the vehicle and onto the live carriageway.
The ambulance service immediately alerted police to the situation. Tragically, the teenager was then hit by a passing car and pronounced dead at the scene. The force has stated that the family has been informed and is being supported by a specialist police liaison officer.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Following the collision, the M5 was closed in both directions to allow emergency services to respond and for initial investigations to be carried out. The major route remained shut overnight before reopening on Monday morning.
In a statement, Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall expressed the profound impact of the event. "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 also acknowledged the distress caused to police officers and ambulance crews involved, confirming that welfare support was being provided for all emergency personnel and any witnesses.
Independent Investigation Launched
Due to the nature of the incident, Avon and Somerset Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). This is a standard procedure when a death occurs following police involvement.
Jane Whichello, a representative from the South Western Ambulance Service, offered the service's condolences. She praised the crews who responded, stating they "put their own safety at risk to help the patient and reduce the risk of harm to passing motorists."
The investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding why the ambulance stopped and the moments leading to the teenager exiting the vehicle is ongoing.
