Serious M5 Crash Near Weston-super-Mare Forces Full Closure Between J20 and J21

A serious late-night collision on the M5 in Somerset brought the motorway to a complete halt, causing hours of disruption for commuters, airport travellers and overnight motorists. The police-led incident, which unfolded around 11:05 pm between Junction 20 for Clevedon and Junction 21 for Weston-super-Mare, prompted a major emergency response from Avon and Somerset Police, ambulance teams and fire crews, who were seen tackling a car fire at the scene. 

The motorway remained closed in both directions through the early hours, with National Highways coordinating diversions and warning of long delays as investigations and recovery operations continued into Monday morning.

Key Takeaways: Latest Details on the Serious M5 Crash Near Weston-super-Mare

• A serious 11:05 pm crash shut the M5 between J20 and J21 in Somerset.
  
• Avon and Somerset Police led the incident response, supported by ambulance and fire crews.
  
• Firefighters extinguished a car fire on the motorway.
  
• Northbound closed between J21 and J20; southbound between J19 and J21.
  
• One northbound lane later reopened, but delays persisted.
  
• National Highways expects clearance between 11:15 and 11:30 am on 1 December 2025.
  
• Diversions in place using the A370, A4, A38 and related routes.
  
• Bristol Clean Air Charge suspended during the closure.
  
• Travellers heading to Bristol Airport advised of significant disruption.
  

Police-Led Emergency Response Shuts Down the M5

A major section of the M5 was shut in both directions overnight after a serious crash triggered a full emergency response. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they were leading the operation, with officers, paramedics and firefighters deployed to the scene shortly after the collision occurred.

The incident happened between Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon, forcing immediate closures to ensure safe access for emergency teams. The motorway was shut northbound between Junction 21 and Junction 20, while southbound lanes were closed between Junction 19 for Portishead and Junction 21. 

Throughout the night, emergency crews remained at the scene to manage the investigation and assist those involved.

Car Fire Reported as Firefighters Work Through the Night

Officials confirmed that a vehicle caught fire as part of the crash, prompting fire crews to intervene quickly. Firefighters were seen dousing flames on the motorway, while police and National Highways teams secured the area for safety and investigation.

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Although authorities have yet to confirm the number of vehicles involved or the extent of any injuries, the scale of the emergency response indicates the severity of the incident.

Timeline: From Late-Night Crash to Morning Delays

The collision happened around 11:05 pm on Sunday night. Within minutes, police initiated a full closure of the motorway. National Highways issued multiple updates confirming that work would continue overnight and likely extend into Monday morning.

Traffic monitoring services later reported that one northbound lane reopened, but two lanes remained closed, and the southbound side continued to face a complete shutdown. Heavy congestion was recorded, especially along diversion routes such as the A370.

National Highways estimated that the situation would be cleared between 11:15 and 11:30 am on 1 December 2025, though residual delays were expected.

Official Diversion Routes Activated Through Somerset

To manage the heavy flow of displaced traffic, National Highways implemented formal diversion plans for both northbound and southbound travellers.

Northbound Diversion (Solid Triangle Symbol)

• Exit the M5 at Junction 21
  
• Follow the A370 north/east towards Bristol
  
• Pass through Congresbury, West Town and Long Ashton
  
• At the A370/A4 junction, join the A4 westbound
  
• Rejoin the M5 at Junction 18 near Avonmouth
  

Southbound Diversion (Hollow Circle Symbol)

• Exit the M5 at Junction 18
  
• Head south on the A4
  
• Turn at the A3029 junction
  
• Take the A3070 southwest to Long Ashton
  
• Continue on the A4174
  
• Head onto the A38 southbound
  
• Rejoin the M5 at Junction 22
  

Traffic officers also advised that lighter vehicles could use an additional route via the A369 to Leigh Woods, linking back to Long Ashton and reconnecting with the A4174 and A38.

Heavy Congestion Across Major Somerset Routes

Inrix, a traffic monitoring service, reported long delays along the diversion routes as thousands of drivers attempted to bypass the closure. Congestion built up significantly on the A370 between Weston-super-Mare and Backwell, where diversion traffic merged.

Reports early Monday indicated slow-moving traffic stretching across several miles, with delays affecting commuters, local residents and long-distance travellers alike.

Impact on Bristol Airport Travellers

National Highways warned that travellers heading to Bristol Airport were likely to face additional delays due to the motorway disruption. Drivers were urged to allow extra time or consider alternative routes, especially during peak morning hours.

To ease the pressure, the Bristol Clean Air Charge was suspended temporarily for the duration of the closure, ensuring that diverted motorists would not be penalized while passing through city routes.

Overnight Investigation Continues as Motorway Partially Reopens

Police continued their investigation throughout the night, examining the scene and coordinating with National Highways to plan a safe reopening of the motorway. The incident led to prolonged closures, and while one northbound lane reopened early Monday, full normal traffic flow remained limited.

Southbound lanes between Junction 19 and Junction 21 stayed closed for several hours longer, with traffic officers cautioning that congestion would continue even after the motorway fully reopened.

Seeking Inner Stability in Turbulent Times: Insights from the Teachings of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj

In moments when sudden incidents like the M5 crash disrupt daily life and remind us of life’s uncertainty, people often seek deeper clarity and peace. The spiritual knowledge of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj highlights the importance of grounding the mind through true devotion, detaching from worry and embracing the path of eternal security described in scriptures. 

His teachings emphasise that while worldly situations remain unpredictable, inner stability is possible through correct spiritual understanding and devotion to the Supreme God. Many followers believe this knowledge helps them face challenges with calmness, patience and a sense of purpose beyond material circumstances.

The Road Ahead: When Normal Traffic Conditions Are Expected to Return

Authorities expect the M5 to return to normal flow by late morning as recovery, investigation and clean-up operations conclude. However, drivers should anticipate lingering delays along the A370, A4 and A38 even after the motorway reopens, due to the heavy overnight build-up. Motorists are advised to follow official diversions, monitor live updates and allow additional travel time, especially those heading to Bristol Airport. 

With emergency services working through the night and traffic teams coordinating diversions, efforts remain focused on restoring safe, steady movement across Somerset following this serious M5 crash.

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