A teenager and two adults have been killed in a car crash on the M5 while a second child is fighting for their life in hospital.
The single-vehicle collision happened on the motorway in south Gloucestershire at around 9pm on Friday evening, Avon and Somerset Police said.
A white BMW was involved in the accident when it left the northbound carriageway between junction 14 and the Michaelwood services.
The M5 is closed northbound between junctions 14 and 13 but southbound has now reopened.
The two adults, in their 40s, and teenager who were travelling in the car have died from their injuries.
The second child suffered serious injuries and was rushed to hospital where they remain in a critical condition.
Key Points
- Teenager and two adults killed in M5 crash while second child fights for life
- M5 southbound reopens but northbound remains closed
- M5 set to remain closed for next few hours
- National Highways warn of delays up to an hour
- Everything we know
Teenager and two adults who died were travelling in same white BMW car
15:11 , Tara CobhamThe teenager and two adults who died in the crash were travelling in the same white BMW car.
The vehicle was involved in the collision when it left the northbound carriageway at around 9pm between junction 14 (Falfield) and the Michaelwood services.
What we know about the victims
13:58 , Jabed AhmedPolice have confirmed that a teenager and two adults in their 40s died in the crash.
A second child remains in hospital in critical condition.
No further details about their identities have yet been released.
When will the road reopen?
13:37 , Jabed AhmedPolice estimate the M5 northbound will remain closed for several more hours as investigation and repair work continues.
There is no confirmed reopening time yet, but updates will be shared as soon as they are available.
Everything we know
13:12 , Jabed Ahmed- A teenager and two adults in their 40s were killed when a white BMW left the northbound carriageway of the M5 around 9pm on Friday, between junction 14 (Falfield) and Michaelwood services.
- A second child was seriously injured and remains in hospital in a critical condition.
- Avon and Somerset Police described the scene as “very complex” and confirmed that emergency services worked through the night to save lives.
- Inspector Mark Vicary said a specially-trained officer is supporting the victims’ families, and thanked the public for their patience.
- The motorway was closed in both directions on Saturday, with only the southbound carriageway reopening so far. Police say the northbound side is likely to remain shut for several hours to allow for collision investigation and repairs.
- Drivers are advised to plan alternative routes and expect disruption, especially with half-term travel.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 5225151145.
Mapped: Where the M5 crash happened
12:38 , Tara CobhamFull story: Child and two adults killed in M5 crash
12:11 , Tara CobhamA teenager and two adults have been killed in a crash on the M5 as another child fights for their life in hospital.
Avon and Somerset Police said the teenager and two adults in their 40s died following the single-vehicle collision in south Gloucestershire on Friday evening.
The second child was rushed to hospital in a critical condition after suffering serious injuries in the incident.
Read the full story here:
M5 crash: Child and two adults killed in collision as road remains closed
M5 southbound reopens but northbound remains closed
11:47 , Tara CobhamThe M5 southbound has now reopened between J13 (Stroud) and J14 (Falfield), according to National Highways.
Northbound remains fully closed while Avon and Somerset Police continue to work at the scene.
National Highways warned motorists that there are currently delays of more than hour on approach, with heavy congestion on the diversion route.
The #M5 southbound has now reopened between J13 (#Stroud) and J14 (#Falfield).
— National Highways: South-West (@HighwaysSWEST) May 31, 2025
Northbound remains fully closed whilst @ASPolice continue to work at the scene.
There are currently delays in excess of 60 minutes on approach, with heavy congestion on the diversion route. pic.twitter.com/reUqz9PzTp
The police statement on the crash
11:37 , Tara CobhamThree people have died and a fourth seriously injured in a single-vehicle collision on the M5 in South Gloucestershire.
A white BMW car left the northbound carriageway at approximately 9pm last night (Friday 30 May) between junction 14 (Falfield) and the Michaelwood services. As a result the M5 remains closed in both directions between junctions 14 and 13 (Stroud).
We’re sad to report two adults in their 40s and one teenage child who were travelling in the vehicle have died from their injuries.
A second child sustained serious injuries and they have been taken to hospital.
Police appeal for witnesses
11:02 , Tara CobhamPolice are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Avon and Somerset Police said that witnesses to the collision, or anyone with dashcam footage, are asked to contact the force online or on 101 quoting reference number 5225151145.
National Highways warn of delays up to an hour
10:40 , Tara CobhamNational Highways have warned that delays are building on approach of the closures on the M5 of at least 60 minutes northbound and 45 minutes southbound.
In a statement issued on Saturday, it said: “A police investigation is currently in progress following a serious collision. Due to the severity of the incident and the complexity of the vehicle recovery, the closure will remain in place for an extended duration to enable a comprehensive investigation.
“Upon completion, National Highways Service Providers will carry out an assessment of the infrastructure and commence any necessary repairs.
“The closure is anticipated to remain in effect until the afternoon.
“We're currently reporting delays on approach of at least 60 minutes northbound and 45 minutes southbound.”
Emergency services work through night at 'very complex' and 'tragic' scene
10:31 , Tara CobhamEmergency services have been working through the night at a “very complex” and “tragic” scene.
He added: “Emergency services have worked throughout the night at what has proved to be a very complex scene. They have worked diligently and professionally to try to save life in the most tragic of circumstances.”
M5 set to remain closed for next few hours
10:23 , Tara CobhamThe section of the M5 is set to remain closed for the next few hours, police have said.
The motorway was shut in both directions between junctions 14 (Falfield) and 13 (Stroud) this morning following the car crash.
Avon and Somerset Police said: “The M5 remains closed this morning and we estimate it will need to stay shut in both directions for the next few hours, however we are doing all we can to reopen it as soon as possible.”
Child in hospital and loved ones supported by specially-trained officers
10:19 , Tara CobhamThe child in hospital and their loved ones are being supported by specially-trained officers.
Inspector Mark Vicary, of Avon and Somerset Police’s roads policing unit, said: “Our thoughts first and foremost are with the child in hospital and loved ones who have received the most awful news overnight.
“A specially-trained officer will provide them with support at this difficult time.”
National Highways warns drivers of delays
10:07 , Tara CobhamNationwal Highways warned drivers that delays are now starting to build up on approach to the scene.
It advised motorists to plan ahead of travelling.
The #M5 remains closed in both directions between J14 (#Falfield) and J13 (#Stroud) following a serious collision which occurred last night.@ASPolice investigation works are ongoing at scene.
— National Highways: South-West (@HighwaysSWEST) May 31, 2025
Delays are now starting to build on approach, please plan ahead of your journey. pic.twitter.com/vUoxESwjdD
M5 remains closed
10:06The M5 remains closed in both directions between junction 14 (Falfield) and junction 13 (Stroud) following the serious collision.
Avon and Somerset Police continued to investigate at the scene on Saturday morning.
Teenager and two adults killed in M5 crash while second child fights for life
09:57 , Tara CobhamA teenager and two adults have been killed in a crash on the M5 as another child fights for their life in hospital.
Avon and Somerset Police said the teenager and two adults in their 40s died following the single-vehicle collision in south Gloucestershire on Friday evening.
The second child was rushed to hospital in a critical condition after suffering serious injuries in the incident.
