M5 SHUT: 11-Vehicle Pile-Up Near Exeter Airport Leaves Two Injured
Southbound M5 Closed Amid 11-Vehicle Horror Crash
The M5 southbound near Exeter Airport has been slammed shut following a massive 11-vehicle collision. The crash has left at least two people injured, with an air ambulance landing at the scene and emergency crews rushing to help.
Chaos Between Junctions 28 and 29
The smash happened just after 11:30am between junction 28 (Cullompton/A373 Honiton Road) and junction 29 (Exeter/A30). The entire southbound carriageway remains closed so paramedics, fire crews, and police can work safely.
Witnesses described the crash as “very serious” and involving numerous vehicles. One said: “Crash between Cullompton and Exeter.”
Motorists Trapped as Gridlock Grows
Commuters are stuck in heavy traffic, with some at a standstill for 90 minutes or more. Retired firefighter Graham Norman from Devon reported: “We’ve been stationary since about midday. We counted five ambulances, three fire engines, and several police cars.”
National Highways is advising drivers to exit at junction 28 and follow diversion signs via the A373. Traffic is backing up well past junction 27 (Tiverton), with congestion spilling onto nearby roads as frustrated motorists try to escape the chaos.
Rescue Crews Battle to Save Lives
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue confirmed they dispatched three fire engines. A spokesperson said: “One person was trapped and had to be cut free using hydraulic tools before being airlifted to hospital.”
Northbound lanes have reopened after earlier restrictions, but the southbound remains closed with no reopening time yet announced.
Motorists: Avoid the M5 between junctions 27 and 29. Expect major delays and follow official diversions closely. Stay tuned for live updates.
