Fire crews shut the motorway northbound between junctions 18 and 17 near Bristol Airport following the collision between four vehicles – one being a lorry. The accident took place just after 7am. One eyewitness described on Twitter seeing “six fire engines and five ambulances” on the scene. Delays are being reported across the area.

Highways England has warned drivers, and writing on Twitter the organisation said: “The carriageway is likely to remain closed for some time. Please follow diversion down M49.

“If you are in vehicles between Avonmouth and Cribbs Causeway, we are working hard to get you moving again. Further updates to follow.”

A spokesman for Avon and somerset Police confirmed people have been injured. 

He said: “We were called at 7.18am by ambulance. Four vehicle collision, one of the vehicles is a lorry.

“There are people injured. The M5 is currently closed northbound between 18 and 17.”

An eyewitness, who was driving past the accident on the southbound side, told BristolLive he saw a passenger being cut free from the lorry by firefighters. 

The motorist added he saw at least three fire engines and three ambulances at the scene.  

This is a breaking news story. Click back for updates. More to follow…

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