DRIVERS have been warned to expect residual delays now the M5 has reopened following a fatal collision involving a 17-year-old girl.

The teenager was on foot when she was involved in a collision between junction 24, for Taunton, and junction 25, for Bridgwater, at around 11pm last night (November 11).

Delays of around 60 minutes remain due to six miles of tailbacks following the closure, which was in place for around 12 hours.

At the peak of the congestion on the northbound carriageway there was an estimated 90 minutes of delays and eight mile queues.

Emergency services rushed to the incident last night, where sadly the girl died at the scene. Her family are now being supported by specially-trained officers.

Avon and Somerset Police said in a statement: “Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by a specially trained officer. Our thoughts are with them. 

“No one else was injured in the collision.

“The M5 is expected to remain closed for some time while enquiries are carried out.

“A mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to recent prior police contact.”

Anybody who witnessed the collision or has any dashcam footage which could aid the police investigation is asked to call 101 with log number 1170 of November 11.