A tragic night on the M5 ended in heartbreak after an 18-year-old man lost his life after exiting an ambulance and running into live traffic.
What Happened on the M5?
Just after 11pm on Sunday, emergency medics pulled over on the northbound carriageway between Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon. They were attending to the teenager while transporting him to hospital.
Suddenly, the young man exited the ambulance and ran onto the busy motorway. A nearby police officer tried to get him to safety, but moments later he was struck by a car heading southbound.
Paramedics arrived but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His family have been informed and are receiving support.
Investigation Underway Following Fatal Crash
Because the man was in police contact before his death, the incident has been referred to the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). An independent probe is now ongoing.
Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family at such a devastating time. We will support them in any way we can.”
“This has deeply affected our officers and ambulance crews, who are very upset.”
“We’re also providing welfare support to the public involved or who witnessed the tragedy.”
“A mandatory referral has been made to the IOPC and we’re fully cooperating with the investigation.”
The motorway was closed briefly while emergency services dealt with the incident, causing disruption for late-night travellers.
This shocking death is a grim reminder of the dangers on our roads and the risks emergency workers face every day.
