THE M5 was closed for most of the morning near Taunton after a teenage girl died after being hit by a car late Monday night, November 11.

The M5 was closed in both directions at Junctions 24 (Bridgwater) and 25 (Taunton) whilst police attended the scene. It reopened late morning but there were still severe delays.

Emergency services were called to the crash at around 11pm November 11.

The pedestrian, a girl aged 17, died at the scene.

Her next of kin have been notified of the incident and are being supported by a specially trained officer. 

M5 closed: Live updates following death of 17 year-old: Read More.

National Highways was diverting traffic around the closure via solid diamond and solid circle road signs.

Southbound traffic was advised to follow the route marked by the solid diamond diversion symbol, visible on local road signs.

Northbound traffic was advised to follow the above route in reverse which will be marked by the solid circle diversion symbol, visible on local road signs.

A spokesperson from the Avon and Somerset Police said earlier: "The M5 is closed in both directions between junctions 24 (Bridgwater) and 25 (Taunton) following a fatal collision.

"The collision, involving a pedestrian and a car, happened at about 11pm yesterday (11 November) and sadly the pedestrian, a 17-year-old girl, died at the scene.

"Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by a specially trained officer. Our thoughts are with them. 

"No one else was injured in the collision.

"The M5 is expected to remain closed for some time while enquiries are carried out.

"A mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to recent prior police contact."

In a statement, police confirmed that they were looking for witnesses who may have seen the accident last night.

The spokesperson from the police added: "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."