Teenager Dies on M5 After Exiting Police Vehicle

The police watchdog has reported that a 17-year-old girl passed away after being struck by a vehicle on the M5. This occurred a short time after she exited a police vehicle that was stationary. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) stated that Avon and Somerset Police were transporting the teenager to custody when the incident took place. The location was between junctions 24 (Bridgwater) and 25 (Taunton, Somerset). According to police, the girl exited the vehicle after officers had stopped on the northbound carriageway. Subsequently, she was struck by another vehicle on the opposite side, approximately at 23:00 GMT on Monday. An IOPC spokesperson confirmed the initiation of an investigation, stating: “Our sympathies are with the girl’s loved ones and everyone affected by her death.” The spokesperson further noted: “We were advised by Avon and Somerset Police that the girl was being transported to custody in a police vehicle and had got out of the vehicle shortly before the collision.” Following this, IOPC investigators were dispatched to the site to collect evidence. Police reported that the ambulance service arrived at the scene promptly, but the girl was declared deceased there. No other individuals sustained injuries. Detective Chief Superintendent Rachel Shields conveyed that the force’s primary concern was “first and foremost with the girl’s family.” She added that the family was receiving support from specially trained officers “at what is an incredibly difficult time following the tragic loss of such a young life.” She also stated: “A critical incident was declared and our Professional Standards Department notified overnight. A mandatory referral has been made to the IOPC.” Det Ch Supt Shields continued: “We recognise this incident has had a significant effect on the devastated officers, plus members of the public, who witnessed what happened, as well as other officers and staff involved in our response. “We will ensure staff are able to access any welfare support they may benefit from following this tragedy.” The M5 was shut down in both directions subsequent to the collision, as investigations were conducted and necessary repairs were performed to ensure the motorway’s safety. National Highways verified that by 10:20 GMT on Tuesday, the northbound carriageway between junctions 24 and 25 had reopened, with the southbound carriageway resuming operation shortly thereafter. The collision site is situated close to Creech Heathfield, near Taunton. Significant delays are being experienced on local roads, particularly the A38 in the vicinity of North Petherton and Bridgwater. Drivers heading southbound on the M5 have encountered delays lasting 90 minutes, accompanied by seven miles of traffic congestion. Northbound traffic has seen delays of 30 minutes and two miles of congestion. Individuals who witnessed the collision or possess dashcam footage that could aid the investigation are encouraged to contact the police. Details for following BBC Somerset on Facebook and X, and for submitting story ideas via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630, were included. This content is copyrighted by BBC in 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC also noted it is not responsible for the content found on external websites and provided information regarding its approach to external linking.