Several drivers die in fiery 30-vehicle crash

Several drivers die in fiery 30-vehicle crash

The smashed vehicles burst into flames as fuel tanks exploded. Pic from www.thesun.co.uk

Several drivers were killed Friday night after vehicles erupted in flames in a horrific M5 smash n England.

Fuel tanks exploded as nearly THIRTY cars and lorries piled up.

Some victims were believed to have burned to death trapped in the carnage as orange flames leapt into the sky.

A police spokesman said the number of casualties had risen to 43, ranging from those with life-threatening injuries to the walking wounded.

He could not confirm how many people had died

Witnesses said the pile-up near junction 25 on the northbound carriageway of the motorway near Bridgwater, Somerset was triggered by "extremely poor" visibility in fog and rain.

Paul Slaven, of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said: "This is the worst road traffic collision anyone can remember so many vehicles involved." Fifteen fire engines were at the scene as rescuers used hydraulic gear to cut free victims.

Slaven said at least 20 cars and vans and six articulated lorries were involved. Police confirmed: "It is believed that people have lost their lives."

Chief Inspector Paul Mogg said: "All emergency services are on the scene doing as much as they can to continue the rescue operation and to treat the injured."

Huge tailbacks built up and police closed the M5 for 18 miles between junctions 23 and 26. It will remain shut for at least 24 hours and drivers were urged to avoid the area.

Becky Widdecombe, who lives near the crash scene, said: "There was a huge explosion we thought it was fireworks until we started hearing the sirens."

Jaysen Sharpe, who was at a nearby rugby club, said: "It was a really horrific accident.

"You could hear explosions when the petrol tanks were going up. It was extremel! y loud a nd very worrying."

Witness Ron Charles said: "The fog was very thick. It appears that vehicles ploughed into each other at a point where there was virtually no visibility.

"Headlights were bouncing back at the cars it was horrendous. Some vehicles were not slowing down to take account of the conditions."

Simon Bruford, 38, from Willerton, Somerset, saw the smash as he drove south. He said: "I could see the flames from way back.

"I spent 18 years in the Somerset fire service and have seen a lot of nasty things, but that was horrific." - www.thesun.co.uk