An 18-year-old man has died on the M5 motorway after exiting an ambulance and being struck by a car. The tragedy occurred on Sunday night, prompting an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The incident unfolded just after 11pm on the northbound carriageway between junction 21 at Weston-super-Mare and junction 20 at Clevedon. Emergency services had been transporting the patient when he exited the ambulance. A police officer attempted to bring the man to safety before he was hit by a car on the southbound side of the motorway.
The M5 was closed following the incident to allow emergency services to respond and conduct initial enquiries. The motorway reopened on Monday morning, December 1.
Investigation launched
Avon and Somerset Police have made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The police watchdog has already begun an independent investigation into the circumstances.
Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall said: «A mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) by our Professional Standards Department. It's already begun an independent investigation into the circumstances, which we will fully cooperate with.»
Impact on emergency services
Hall acknowledged the significant emotional toll on those who responded to the incident. She said: «This incident has had a significant effect on our officers and ambulance crews who are understandably incredibly upset by what happened.»
The force has arranged welfare support for officers, ambulance crews, and members of the public who were involved or witnessed the incident.
Hall expressed condolences to the bereaved family: «Our thoughts are with the man's family at such a devastating time. We will support them in any way we can.» A specially trained liaison officer is providing support to the family.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
