Woman pedestrian in her 70s lifeless after being hit by lorry on the M5

A woman in her 70s has died after being hit by a lorry on the M5.

The collision was reported at 2.48am on the northbound carriageway between junctions 24 and 23 near Bridgwater in Somerset.

Ambulances, fire services and police officers rushed to the scene but all efforts to save her life were futile.

The fatal crash caused the northbound and southbound carriages of the M5 to be closed for several hours while investigations were carried, but have now fully reopened.

The southbound side of the motorway was reopened first, with the northbound section reopening after lunch. 

National Highways warned drivers to prepare for delays amid the closures.

Officers are now urging for witnesses who may have seen something to come forward as the investigation continues.

Avon and Somerset Police said: ‘A woman has died after a collision on the M5 near Bridgwater this morning.

‘The incident, involving a pedestrian and a lorry, was reported at 2.48am on the northbound carriageway between junctions 24 and 23.

‘Officers, along with the ambulance and fire services attended. Despite the efforts of emergency services, sadly the woman, aged in her 70s, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A woman in her 70s has died after being hit by a lorry on the M5

The collision was reported at 2.48am on the northbound carriageway between junctions 24 and 23 near Bridgwater in Somerset

‘Her next of kin has been informed and will be kept updated by officers. Our thoughts are with them. 

‘The motorway was closed in both directions while investigative enquiries were completed.’ 

It comes after a 71-year-old driver hit and killed by a lorry on the M20 last month after he got out of his car on a motorway hard shoulder.

A female passenger also obtained minor injuries following the collision between junctions eight and nine near Maidstone, Kent.