M5 closure Bristol: Police update on lorry crash

Police are investigating how a lorry’s tipper appeared to strike the overhead gantry on the M5 yesterday (March 2) - causing traffic chaos in the region. The motorway was closed in both directions after the incident between junction 17 for Cribbs Causeway and 18 for Avonmouth at 8.20am.

Images showed a large empty trailer that appeared to have smashed into the gantry - leaving it upright and wedged against the road surface. Nobody was fortunately injured, but hydraulic fluid and severed electrical cables were left over the motorway surface.

Toward the end of the day, recovery workers cleared the motorway, and at 7.10pm the northbound was opened, followed by the southbound at 10.20pm.

Avon and Somerset Police gave an update on its investigation - and asked for witneses to come forward. The force said: “Enquiries are being carried out following a collision on the M5 near Bristol (Thursday 2 March).

“We were called at approximately 8.20am after a tipper lorry collided with a overhead gantry on the southbound carriageway between junction 17 (Cribbs Causeway) and junction 18 (Avonmouth).

“We understand the lorry joined the M5 at junction 17 and are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or the vehicle in the moments leading up to the incident. Dashcam footage from drivers in the area and showing the lorry would also be gratefully received.

“There were no reported injuries but the road remains closed in both directions on safety grounds while National Highways engineers have been assessing damage to the overhead gantry and the road surface.”

Motorists were advised to avoid the area by the National Highways Agency. One driver, Sam Greenslade, posted a shocking photo of the crash scene. Posting on Twitter, he wrote: “May want to abound M5 southbound just after Cribbs. Lorry lost its tipper and wedged under the gantry.

“Also one of the speed signs is on the road between middle and fast lanes! Will be carnage in a bit.”