A tragic incident occurred on the M5 when a man passed away in a collision after exiting an ambulance that had stopped to offer assistance. The ambulance service notified the police that a patient had left the vehicle on the northbound carriageway between junction 21 and 20 while being transported to the hospital. Subsequently, the 18-year-old man was spotted on the motorway.
Upon receiving the report, law enforcement rushed to the scene, where an on-duty officer attempted to guide the man to safety to prevent harm to him and others. Regrettably, the man was struck by a car traveling southbound, resulting in his fatality despite the efforts of emergency responders.
The victim’s family has been informed and is receiving support from a specially trained liaison officer, as reported by Somerset Live. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed the tragic incident, expressing condolences to the man’s family and acknowledging the impact on officers and ambulance crews.
Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall expressed sympathy for the family and assured support during this difficult time. The incident has deeply affected the emergency responders and witnesses involved, prompting the initiation of welfare arrangements for all affected parties.
An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been launched following a mandatory referral by the Professional Standards Department. The motorway was temporarily closed to facilitate emergency response and investigations, reopening the following morning.