Motorway reopens after teen’s death sparks 12-hour closure

A 17-year-old girl has died after being struck by a car on the M5 in Somerset.
The motorway was closed in both directions for almost 12 hours following the girl’s death.
The incident happened between junction 24 for Bridgwater and junction 25 for Taunton at around 11.30pm on Monday 11 November.
The force says it has made a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct following the incident.
It has since been confirmed the girl was being taken into custody in a police vehicle and had got out shortly before the fatal incident.
In a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said: “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.”
National Highways confirmed the motorway reopened shortly after 11am on Tuesday 12 November. Delays have now cleared.