A major motorway in the South West has been sealed off following a fatal collision that claimed the life of a pedestrian on Tuesday morning.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The serious incident occurred at approximately 11.40am on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, on the northbound carriageway of the M5 at junction 14 in Gloucestershire. Emergency services were called to reports of a collision involving two heavy goods vehicles and a pedestrian who was on the motorway carriageway.
Officers from Gloucestershire Constabulary arrived to find a pedestrian with serious injuries. Despite the efforts of emergency crews, the individual was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. The force has confirmed that the pedestrian's next of kin have been informed and are receiving support from specially trained family liaison officers.
The drivers of the two lorries involved were assessed by paramedics at the location. Authorities have stated they are not believed to have sustained any serious physical injuries.
Major Traffic Disruption and Investigation
In response to the tragedy, police have implemented a full closure of the M5 northbound between junction 13 for Stroud and junction 14 for Dursley and Falfield. This closure is to allow for a detailed collision investigation by officers from the Roads Policing Unit.
A spokesperson for National Highways indicated that the closure, which was reported at 11.45am, is likely to remain in place until later in the evening due to the ongoing investigative work. Traffic caught within the closure is being turned around from the rear of the queue by traffic officers and police.
While the southbound carriageway has since reopened, significant delays are expected to persist for some time. Motorists are being strongly advised to avoid the area entirely and to plan alternative routes in advance. National Highways has warned of long delays on the official A38 diversion route due to pre-existing local roadworks.
Appeal for Witnesses and Information
Gloucestershire Police have launched an appeal for information as part of their investigation. Officers are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident but has not yet come forward.
They are also specifically requesting dashcam footage from drivers who were in the area around the time of the collision. The police believe such footage could provide crucial evidence to help establish the exact circumstances leading to the fatal crash.
Information can be provided to police online by completing a form on the Gloucestershire Constabulary website, quoting incident number 189 of 13 January. Anyone requiring urgent assistance while stuck in traffic as a result of the closure is advised to contact police or the Ambulance Service by calling 101.
Live updates on the road closure and traffic conditions are being provided by National Highways via their travel alerts service.
