A WOMAN had to be cut free following a crash between a car and a lorry on the M5 near Taunton.

Fire crews were called to the smash on the southbound carriageway of the motorway between Junction 24 (North Petherton) and 25 (Taunton) at 2.24pm today (Monday).

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "Fire appliances from Bridgwater and Burnham-on-Sea together with an officer from Taunton and the rescue tender from Taunton were mobilised to a report of a road traffic collision involving a car and a lorry, with the car being located in the central reservation.

"Upon arrival crews made the scene safe and liaised with ambulance personnel to formulate a plan to extricate one female who was still within the car.

"The fire service used hydraulic cutting equipment to remove the door of the car before removing the female and handing her over into the care of the paramedics on scene."

A section of the motorway was temporarily closed but has now re-opened, although there are reports of heavy congestion.