M5 crash: Two hospitalised after loose tyre reportedly hits oncoming car in Devon

Two people have been hospitalised after a loose tyre reportedly hit an oncoming car on the M5 in Devon.

The motorway was closed in both directions between J28 for Cullompton and J29 for Exeter - both carriageways have now reopened (11pm, Friday 12 July).

It was reported that a car travelling on the southbound carriageway lost a tyre.

It was further reported that the tyre collided with a vehicle travelling on the northbound carriageway.

The driver of the car travelling south was checked by ambulance at the scene but did not require hospital treatment.

The two occupants of the car travelling north have been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust said: “We were called at 2.29pm on Friday 12 July to a road traffic collision near Exeter.

"We sent four double-crewed land ambulances, a hazardous area response team, a critical care car, a doctor, an operations officer, an air ambulance and a responding officer to the scene.

"We conveyed one patient by land ambulance to Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and one patient by air ambulance to Derriford Hospital.”

In a statement Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: " We attended the scene of a road traffic collision on the M5 at 2.30pm today, between junctions 28 and 29.

"We assisted with removing two people from a vehicle, which had been hit. These people are now in the care of the ambulance service."

Long delays were reported on both the M5 and on roads through Exeter as traffic was diverted.

A car on the southbound carriageway lost a wheel and crossed the central reservation onto the northbound carriageway.

National Highways say because of the severity of the incident police are due to start accident investigation work.

Chief Inspector Simon Jenkinson of Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Following a serious collision on the M5 this afternoon, the motorway has been closed in both directions around Junction 29.

“The initial priority for emergency services is to deal with the incident itself and tend to the casualties to ensure that they receive timely and appropriate care.

“Enquiries will also be carried out at the scene to establish the full circumstances of the incident, and this has to be completed before we can reopen the road.

“I appreciate that the road closures cause a significant level of traffic disruption in the area but we appreciate your patience while we deal with the incident.”