M5 Traffic Accident Today – Serious Crash Closes Motorway Near Gloucester
A serious crash on the M5 motorway has forced the closure of both carriageways near Gloucester, causing severe delays that are expected to persist throughout the day. Emergency services were called to the scene near Michaelwood Services between junctions 13 and 14 shortly before midday, with initial reports describing a multi-vehicle collision that has left at least one person with critical injuries.
National Highways has activated full road closure protocols, diverting all northbound and southbound traffic onto alternative routes through the Gloucestershire countryside. The sheer volume of displaced vehicles has created heavy congestion on surrounding A-roads and local streets, with motorists reporting wait times exceeding an hour in some areas.
Emergency Services Response
Gloucestershire Police, South Western Ambulance Service and multiple fire crews are working at the scene to extricate anyone trapped in the wreckage and provide immediate medical treatment. An air ambulance was dispatched to the location to transport the most seriously injured patient to a major trauma centre, reflecting the severity of the m5 traffic accident today.
The crash scene is extensive, stretching across both lanes of the motorway and involving several vehicles. Collision investigators from Gloucestershire Police have been called in to document the scene and reconstruct the events leading up to the impact. Their findings will be critical in determining whether road conditions, driver behavior or vehicle factors contributed to the collision.
Impact on Drivers
Motorists are being advised to avoid the M5 in the Gloucester area entirely if possible, with National Highways suggesting the A38 and A417 as primary diversion routes. However, those alternative roads are also experiencing significant congestion as thousands of diverted vehicles attempt to navigate the rural road network. Real-time traffic apps show deep red delays stretching for several miles in both directions from the crash site.
Travel analysts say the closure could have a knock-on effect across the broader South West road network, particularly for freight traffic and holidaymakers heading toward the West Country during the summer travel period. The m5 traffic accident today is a stark reminder of how quickly motorway conditions can change and the importance of allowing extra travel time during peak periods.
