TAUNTON was in shock 11 years ago today (November 4, 2011) as seven people died in one of the worst collisions in this country's history.

A total of 34 vehicles were involved in a massive pile-up on the M5, just north of Junction 25 to the county town.

The crash took place in thick fog at 8.25pm on the northbound carriageway and resulted in a huge fireball.

As well as those who lost their lives, 51 other people were injured, making the pile-up one of the deadliest ever on a British motorway.

Of the injured, 16 were treated at Musgrove Park Hospital and 26 at Yeovil District Hospital, while a surgeon was flown by helicopter from the major trauma centre at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital to cope with the load and the types of multi-system trauma, including multiple fractures and chest, abdominal and lung injuries.

A total of 15 fire engines from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service attended, travelling from stations across the region.

The vehicles were removed from the scene by November 6, but both carriageways of the motorway remained closed for repair work.

Among those who died were grandparents Anthony and Pamela Adams, who were on their way home to Wales after visiting their daughter Tonya White and her family in Taunton.

The others killed were lorry drivers Terry Brice and Kye Thomas; father and daughter Michael and Maggie Barton; and Malcolm Beacham, from Bridgwater.

A permanent memorial to them all has been set up at Hankridge.

READ MORE: How the County Gazette reported the tragic M5 crash in November 2011.