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M5

In pictures: seven killed, dozens injured in Somerset motorway pile-up

The crash involving 25 vehicles happened on the M5 motorway near Taunton. Many cars and lorries burst into flames.

Updated 12.55pm

AT LEAST SEVEN people have been killed and more than 40 injured in a motorway pile-up in Somerset in England.

Twenty-seven vehicles were involved in the crash, which caused a large number of cars and trucks to burst into flames on a section of the M5 near Taunton.

The scene was described by emergency workers as the worst in memory, while police have said that the tragedy occurred in wet and foggy conditions.

The Guardian reports that some people became trapped in burning vehicles, while Avon and Somerset police said that the pile-up triggered a “massive fireball”.

Sky News reports that the number of people who have been killed is unconfirmed. Seven articulated trucks were involved in the crash. Several people were cut free from vehicles by firefighters.

In pictures: seven killed, dozens injured in Somerset motorway pile-up
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  • M5 crash

    27 vehicles, including 5 articulated lorries were involved in the pile-up. Image: Chris Ison/PA Wire
  • M5 crash

    The scene last night. Image: Chris Ison/PA Wire
  • M5 crash

    Chris Ison/PA Wire
  • M5 crash

    The road remains closed neat Taunton in Somerset. Image: Chris Ison/PA Wire
  • M5 crash

    Avon and Somerset police tweeted this image last night.
  • M5 crash

    More images were tweeted from the scene.

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