M5 horror crash: 2 dead in smash near junction 8 in Gloucestershire

Two people have died in a car crash on the M5 between Strensham and Tewkesbury. The collision, which involved four cars, happened shortly after 1am on Thursday morning and the motorway has been closed from junction 8 southbound as a result.

Police and paramedics attended the scene where two people were pronounced dead. A third person was seriously injured in the incident. Gloucestershire Police warned motorists: "The M5 is closed at J8 southbound due to a fatal collision. It is expected to be closed for some time. Please avoid."

The M5 is currently closed between J8 and J9 southbound, and officers are advising motorists to avoid the area. The carriageway is likely to be closed until at least 10am while Gloucester Police carry out their investigation of the incident and for recovery work to be carried out.

Travel advice

Drivers planning journeys on the M5 southbound on Thursday (2 June) are advised to check conditions before setting out as the carriageway is fully closed southbound between J8 (M50) and J9 (Tewkesbury) to enable Gloucestershire Police officers to investigate the scene of the crash.

A diversion route has been implemented and drivers should exit the M5 at J8 and follow the black square symbol on local road signs joining the M50 westbound.

Continue on the M50 to J2 (Ledbury). Exit at J2 and join the A417 southbound towards Gloucester. Then exit the A417 onto the A40 eastbound near Gloucester.

Follow the M40 eastbound to re-join the M5 at J11.