M5 closed after multi vehicle crash near Cullompton

A crash involving several vehicles has closed a 6.5 mile stretch of the M5 between junction 28 at Cullompton and junction 29 at the A30, with the northbound carriageway later reopened.

M5 closed after multi vehicle crash between junctions 28 and 29

A 6.5 mile section of the M5 between junction 28 at Cullompton and junction 29 at the A30 was closed in both directions after a crash involving several vehicles on Sunday morning. Devon and Cornwall Police said no one was thought to have been seriously injured, and the northbound carriageway was closed to allow an air ambulance to land.

The northbound carriageway was later opened, but the southbound carriageway remained closed while debris was cleared. Police advised drivers to plan for delays and consider alternative routes as the scene was cleared and traffic slowly returned to normal.

A single crash shows how quickly a road disruption can ripple through a region. The M5, a key corridor for both local traffic and long-distance travel, can turn a routine Sunday into a maze of detours. The reopening of the northbound lanes offers relief, but the ongoing southbound closure underscores the challenge of clearing debris safely while keeping hours of traffic flowing.

This incident also highlights the need for clear public communication. When a highway is shut for hours, drivers need up-to-date guidance on alternate routes and expected timelines. Local authorities must balance speed with safety, and the public deserves honest timelines to plan ahead.

Highlights

Crews will stay on site until the road is fully cleared