Two people have been killed and two seriously injured after a crash involving a lorry and several cars on the M5.
The motorway was closed northbound near junction 24 after emergency services were called to the scene in Huntworth, Somerset, just after 8.30am.
Drivers are being advised to avoid the area, where there is heavy traffic.
A statement released by police said two people were pronounced dead at the scene and four others injured.
Two of those taken to hospital were seriously injured, the statement said.
Insp Frazer Davey, from Avon and Somerset Police, said: “I’m very sad to report two people have lost their lives at the scene this morning.
“There’s been a number of other people injured who have been taken to hospital.
“An investigation of this nature will take some time and I’d like to apologise to the number of people caught up in the quite-sizable tailback.”
The southbound carriageway would stay closed while the scene was investigated and the road was repared.
Although the northbound carriageway was re-opened around lunchtime after being closed immediately after the crash, the motorway remains congested in both directions.
Additional reporting by PA
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