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At least seven dead after M5 smash
At least seven people have been killed and 51 injured in a devastating motorway pile-up said to be among the worst UK collisions in memory.
Police said the death toll from the crash on the M5 in Somerset on Friday night was expected to rise as the recovery operation continued.
Some 34 vehicles were involved in the accident, which happened in wet and foggy conditions and was described by emergency workers as "the worst road traffic collision anyone can remember".
Assistant Chief Constable Anthony Bangham of Somerset and Avon Police said: "Seven people are confirmed to have died as a result of this tragic incident and we do believe there could be more deaths.
"Our thoughts are with those who may have lost loved ones as a result of last night's collision.
"A large-scale multi-agency operation continues at the scene to remove vehicles, check that there are no other casualties and repair the carriageway. This is a hugely complex operation because of the scale of vehicles and people involved.
"All vehicles will need to be removed from the scene for forensic examination and this of course takes time."
Of the casualties, 25 were taken to Yeovil District Hospital and 17 of the more seriously injured to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, he said. Nine others were taken to a temporary holding unit set up by the ambulance service.
Chief Constable Colin Port, who visited both the site and casualty bureau overnight, also gave his condolences to those who had lost loved ones.
"I would like to say a huge thank you to officers from all the emergency services who have had to deal with this very difficult and traumatic incident," he added.
(taken from uk.msn.com)
The M5 is currently closed between J24 (Bridgwater) and J25 (Taunton) with severe delays either side of the closed section.
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