There are three miles of queues
11:16, 27 Oct 2025
People out of their cars on the M5(Image: Submitted )
Drivers have been seen getting out of their cars on the M5 in Devon after a car crashed through the central reservation.
There’s a huge emergency service presence at the scene between junctions 28 and 29 southbound.
Traffic cameras show a car has ploughed through the central reservation and has ended up on the central bank on the northbound side of the motorway.
National Highways has warned drivers of major delays as a large stretch of the M5 is currently closed.
A diversion route is in place and the motorway is expected to be closed for some time.
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Multiple drivers have reported seeing a major emergency service presence while some say they’re “stuck” on the motorway. While pictures show people have got out of their cars.
One person said: “Car accident lane 3 into central reservation j28-29 southbound” and another person said: “Two ambulances on scene”.
Someone else said: “Stuck on M5 south, emergency vehicles in abundance coming up to junction 28”.
A statement from Devon and Cornwall Police said: “The M5 southbound is currently closed between 28-30 following a collision.
“A car has collided with the central reservation. Emergency services are on scene and dealing with the incident.
“Please be patient and expect delays in the area while we safely respond. Lanes will start to be reopened as soon as it is safe to do so.”
National Highways said: “The M5 in Devon is closed southbound between J28 ( Cullompton ) and J29 ( Exeter Airport) due to a serious collision.
“Devon & Cornwall Police and emergency services are on scene being assisted by National Highways Traffic Officers.”
There are currently three miles of congestion on approach to the crash.
National Highways added: “There is approx. 3 miles of congestion on approach to the incident.”
One lane of the southbound carriageway later reopened, and a section of lane three on the northbound carriageway has been closed to allow repairs to the central reservation.
In an update, Devon and Cornwall Police said: “The M5 has been partially reopened from junctions 28-30 but drivers should still expect delays.
“NORTHBOUND – One lane is closed due to damage to the central reservation. This is so that emergency repair work can safely take place.
“SOUTHBOUND – Two lanes remain closed following the collision. Lane one is open so there will be some (albeit slow) traffic movement.
“One person is being checked by ambulance following the collision.”
