THE M5 is not expected to open until later this evening following a fatal crash. 

Police were called at 6.20am today (February 9) following reports of a crash on the M5 between J25 and J26. 

Sadly, one person died and four people were injured. 

RELATED LINK: One dead and M5 closed in  both directions following fatal crash

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said they anticipate the M5 will remain closed for most of the day and advised motorists to follow diversions. 

"We’re anticipating the M5 to be closed throughout the day and into the evening following a fatal RTC between J26 and J25.

"The four-car collision happened at about 6.20am today.

"Sadly one person died in the incident, while another two are receiving treatment in hospital for serious injuries.

"Another five people are also being treated in hospital with less serious injuries.

"The M5 is currently completely closed between J26 and J25 and we’re expecting this to remain the situation throughout the day and into the evening."

Shortly after 3pm, Avon and Somerset police announced that the southbound carriageway was to reopen within an hour.

A spokesman added: "We have finished investigation work at the scene and are now clearing the carriageway between J25 and J26.

"As such, we expect the southbound carriageway will be reopened by 4pm.

"There are a number of vehicles that require moving off the northbound carriageway and we will provide timescales on reopening these lanes as soon as we can.

"We’d like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while we carried out our work at what was a complex scene where sadly one person died and two were seriously injured.

"There is likely to be continued congestion when the carriageway reopens and so we’re urging drivers to consider their journey and alternative routes."

Police are urging residents to follow diversions put in place by Highways England while the road is closed. 

"We appreciate the disruption this will cause but we’re currently dealing with a complex scene,"the spokesman said.

"We would urge people to avoid the area if possible and thank the public for their patience and understanding.

"If you have to drive, please follow the diversions in place by Highways England, details of which can be found here: https://t.co/N2Ycs7RTfA
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"We’d also like to hear from anyone involved in the collision or who might have witnessed it.

"If you have any information please call 101 and quote log 105 of today."