THE M5 motorway is closed between junction 26 (Wellington) and junction 25 (Taunton) due to a serious traffic incident.

The collision involves an overturned HGV that has caused "substantial" barrier damage and a diesel spillage.

Traffic is currently stopped on the M5 and Highways England have provided an alternative route.

"There is lots of barrier damage," said a spokesperson for Highways England.

"We're currently in the process of releasing trapped traffic. If you're in the traffic, please bear with us, we'll get to you as soon as we can.

"Road users are advised to use the black solid triangle symbol and leave the M5 at J26 and join the A38 heading northbound.

Somerset County Gazette:

"Continue to follow the A38 to Taunton until the roundabout with the A358 and take the third exit onto the A358 towards the M5.

"Follow the A358 to the M5 J25 and rejoin the M5 northbound.

"There is substantial barrier damage that will need assessing and treating and a diesel spillage that will need treating before the carriageway can be reopened."

Emergency services are in attendance and fire crews from Bridgwater and Taunton were at the scene.

"Crews from Bridgwater and Taunton, including a specialist rescue tender, were sent to the M5 following a call from the police reporting a road traffic collision involving a heavy goods vehicle," a spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said.

"On arrival crews found a large articulated lorry on its side, with one person trapped inside.

"They immediately set to work releasing the casualty using a triple extension ladder who was then left in the care of the ambulance service.

"Crews then had to unload the contents the lorry to enable them to use air bags to lift it to ensure that there was no further vehicles underneath.

"When they were able to confirm that the scene was safe, the incident was left in the hands of the police."

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson added: "The M5 northbound between Wellington (junction 26) and Taunton (junction 25) is blocked after an articulated lorry travelling southbound collided with the central reservation and overturned.

"Southbound traffic is also affected due to debris and damage to the central barrier.

"The collision was reported to police just before 7.15am today, Saturday 13 March.

"The driver of the lorry has been taken to hospital with injuries not believed life-threatening or life-changing.

"Police are working with Highways England to release traffic held between the two junctions.

"The northbound carriageway is expected to remain closed with a diversion via the A38 pending recovery of the lorry by specialist operators and repairs.

"The southbound carriageway is also affected but running."

There is still a lane three closure on the southbound carriageway.