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Motorway opens after fatal crash Motorway opens after fatal crash
(about 2 hours later)
A stretch of the M5 in Somerset, where a man died in a 17 car accident, has reopened. A stretch of the M5 in Somerset where a man died in an accident involving 17 cars has reopened.
The accident happened on Monday night, on the northbound carriageway between junctions 25 and 26 near Taunton. The crash happened on Monday night, on the northbound carriageway between junctions 25 and 26 near Taunton.
A spokesman for the Devon and Somerset fire service said there were several other casualties with minor injuries. The ambulance service said the man was thrown from his car and catapulted onto the opposite carriageway, into the path of other cars.
He said: "We can confirm the one fatality has been discovered on the southbound carriageway. The fire service treated one person for shock." More than a dozen paramedic crews treated 27 people at the scene, one with serious head injuries.
Two fire engines from Wellington, two from Taunton, a rescue tender from Taunton and a command support unit from Wiveliscombe attended the incident. 'Heroic actions'
The accident happened about a mile north of the Taunton Deane service area and the motorway was closed in both directions. Ken Wenman, Chief Executive of the South West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said staff worked "tirelessly and heroically" at the crash site.
Avon and Somerset Police said the accident happened at about 1900 GMT. "I know I comment on behalf of all the service that our hearts and minds are with the families and friends of those involved in this horrendous crash.
Thirteen ambulances from across the region attended the accident which spilled across both carriageways of the motorway. "I would also like to pay tribute to and commend the heroic actions of my staff who worked tirelessly to treat the 27 people on scene, not forgetting the hard work of backroom staff in the Exeter 999 control room who coordinated the responding ambulances to get them to the scene within minutes."
Avon and Somerset Police said the accident happened at about 1900 GMT, about a mile north of the Taunton Deane service area.
Thirteen ambulances from across the region attended the crash, which spilled across both carriageways of the motorway.