Tragedy as girl, 17, is killed after being hit by a car in horror crash – forcing M5 to close

A GIRL, 17, has been killed after being hit by a car in a horror crash on the M5.

The teenage pedestrian was tragically pronounced dead at the scene, in Somerset, at around 11pm last night.

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A girl, 17, was tragically killed after being hit by a car in a horror crash on the M5 last nightCredit: GEOGRAPH

No on else was injured in the horror smash.

The motorway is now closed in both directions between junctions 24 Bridgwater, and 25, Taunton.

Cops confirmed the closure is expected to remain in place “for some time” while investigations continue.

A mandatory referral has also been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “The M5 is closed in both directions between junctions 24 (Bridgwater) and 25 (Taunton) following a fatal collision.

“The collision, involving a pedestrian and a car, happened at about 11pm yesterday (11 November) and sadly the pedestrian, a 17-year-old girl, died at the scene.

“Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by a specially trained officer. Our thoughts are with them. 

“No one else was injured in the collision.

“The M5 is expected to remain closed for some time while enquiries are carried out.

“A mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to recent prior police contact.

“If you witnessed the collision or have any dashcam footage which could help our investigation, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference of log number 1170 of 11 November.”

Diversion routes are now in place on the M5 to keep traffic moving.

A National Highways spokesperson said: “Please be reminded that the #M5 in #Somerset remains closed both ways between J24 ( #Bridgwater ) & J25 ( #Taunton ) due to a Police led incident.

“Due to the nature of the incident, the road will be closed throughout the morning.”

Traffic monitor Inrix added: “M5 in both directions closed due to accident investigation work between J24 A38 Taunton Road (Bridgwater South) and J25 A358 (Taunton).

“After a serious accident at 23:00 last night. Diversion – via the A38.

“Follow Solid Diamond signs southbound, Solid Circle northbound.”