M5 closure update

A stretch of the M5 in Devon is closed after a serious crash, with an air ambulance on scene.

M5 closed after serious crash as air ambulance lands

A stretch of the M5 in Devon is closed on the southbound carriageway between J28 Cullompton and J29 Exeter Airport after a serious collision this morning. An air ambulance landed at the scene and traffic is held between the two junctions while emergency services work.

Northbound traffic had been halted but is now open as crews attend the incident. Diversions are in place via the B3181 Station Road through Cullompton, Westcott, Budlake and Broadclyst, then Cumberland Way in Exeter to rejoin the M5 at J30.

Crashes on major routes like the M5 can ripple beyond the accident scene, hitting local economies and shaping weekend travel plans. The disruption raises questions about how quickly drivers can be rerouted and how well diversions are communicated.

Emergency managers face a tough balance between fast access for responders and keeping traffic moving. Clear, timely updates from National Highways and police help reduce confusion and prevent secondary incidents on detours.

Highlights

Updates will follow as the scene evolves.