By Adam Cailler,Shannon Brown
Copyright dailystar
Motorists are facing significant disruption on the M5 in Devon this morning as the motorway is closed in both directions. Two serious accidents occurred on the same stretch of road near Tiverton overnight, prompting emergency services to shut the motorway in both directions while ‘extensive’ crash investigation work is carried out. National Highways stated: “The M5 in Devon is closed both ways between J27 (Tiverton) and J28 (Cullompton) due to a serious road traffic collision. Devon and Cornwall Police and emergency services are currently in attendance. “Two secondary incidents in the queue for the original incident have occurred meaning the road will likely remain closed for some time.” Some drivers have reportedly been trapped in their cars for hours, reports Devon Live . Diversion routes are in place both northbound and southbound around the closure, which is expected to remain in place throughout Friday morning. National Highways initially reported a single collision at around 11pm on Thursday, September 19. The carriageway was shut southbound and alternative routes were established. The air ambulance was scrambled to the scene, with traffic stopped northbound for the helicopter to touch down at around 12.20am this morning. At 12.40am, National Highways reported a second serious smash within two miles of the first. The organisation said at the time: “The M5 southbound in Devon J27 SampfordPeverell to J28 Cullompton remains closed. Two serious collisions have occurred within Two miles of each other. This has made dealing with traffic caught within the closure much more difficult. Plans are being made to get you clear asap.” The central reservation was cut open to release traffic trapped behind the first closure and, by around 4am, Highways said motorists began to be freed. At 5.45am, Highways said the motorway was likely to be shut through the whole morning. It remains unclear when the road will reopen. In the latest update, Highways said: “The M5 in Devon is closed both ways between J27 (Tiverton) and J28 (Cullompton) due to a serious road traffic collision. Devon and Cornwall Police and emergency services are currently in attendance. “Two secondary incidents in the queue for the original incident have occurred meaning the road will likely remain closed for some time.” For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters .
