Delays to waste collection following fatal M5 collision

The incident, in which a 17-year-old girl died after fleeing from a police vehicle, has led to road closures and congestion which are “having an impact on collections of rubbish and recycling”.  

Households in and around Chard, Ilminster, Donyatt, Broadway, Horton, Churchstanton, Pitminster, Trull, Stoke St Mary, North Curry, Fivehead, Langport, Hatch Beauchamp and Stoke St Gregory may be affected, according to Somerset Council. 

A statement from the council said: “Crews will do their best to complete as many rounds as possible, however around 3,000 collections may need to be rescheduled.” 

“Residents are asked to leave their recycling and rubbish out if it is not collected by the end of today (Tuesday, 12 November). Crews will return tomorrow (Wednesday, 13 November) for any collections missed today.” 

Although additional crews will be helping, work to catch-up missed recycling will cause delays and disruption across the county, with extra collections will take place on Saturday if needed. 

The 17-year-old died when she got out of a police vehicle while being transported to custody.  

She was then hit by a car on the M5 between Bridgwater and Taunton at about 11pm on Monday, November 11. 

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed the girl died at the scene and her next of kin have been informed. 

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said in a statement that they were investigating the incident. 

A spokesperson said: “We have started an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a 17-year-old girl who was struck by a vehicle on the M5 near Taunton last night. 

“We were advised by Avon and Somerset Police that the girl was being transported to custody in a police vehicle and had got out of the vehicle shortly before the collision. 

“We sent our investigators to the police post incident procedure to begin gathering evidence. Our sympathies are with the girl’s loved ones and everyone affected by her death.”