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M5 Somerset crash: Woman dead and 10 injured | |
(35 minutes later) | |
A woman died and 10 people were injured in an early morning crash on the M5 in Somerset. | |
Elaina Beard, 29, from Bridgwater, is believed to have got out of a car involved in the four-vehicle smash on the northbound carriageway at about 06:20 GMT. | |
She was hit by several vehicles on the opposite carriageway, police said. | |
Her family issued a statement saying they were "totally heartbroken" by her death. | |
For updates visit the BBC's live page for the West of England. | For updates visit the BBC's live page for the West of England. |
Avon and Somerset Police said formal identification of the victim was yet to take place, but they believed the woman who was killed to be Ms Beard. | |
Her family described her as "a loving sister, daughter, auntie and friend, who was so caring both as a carer in her day job and a family member." | |
Ms Beard worked for Bluebird Care. The company's chief operating officer, Duncan Berry, paid tribute to her. | |
"It is evident from the comments made by those she worked with that Elaina was a hugely valued and liked member of her team," he said. | |
Insp Darren Jarvis from Avon and Somerset Police said: "Unfortunately one of the drivers has been struck by other vehicles driving on the southbound carriageway. | |
"Not all of those vehicles have been identified at the moment. | "Not all of those vehicles have been identified at the moment. |
"I would ask that anybody that was travelling on that road at that time, and may not have realised what happened and what they may been involved in, I would ask them to come forward." | "I would ask that anybody that was travelling on that road at that time, and may not have realised what happened and what they may been involved in, I would ask them to come forward." |
Three people had to be cut free from vehicles, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said. | Three people had to be cut free from vehicles, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said. |
About 15 crews were deployed by South Western Ambulance Service including rapid response vehicles and two air ambulances. | About 15 crews were deployed by South Western Ambulance Service including rapid response vehicles and two air ambulances. |
The road was closed for most of the day between Taunton and Wellington. | |
"We treated 10 patients in total, with eight being taken into hospital," the ambulance service said. | "We treated 10 patients in total, with eight being taken into hospital," the ambulance service said. |
"Six patients were taken to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton by road ambulance and two were taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol by air ambulance." | "Six patients were taken to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton by road ambulance and two were taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol by air ambulance." |