Man suffers potentially life-threatening injuries in M5 crash

Two cars separately collided with the central reservation near Exeter

The M5 near Exeter
Author: Jonny FreemanPublished 25th Jan 2026

Devon and Cornwall Police are appealing for witnesses after a man suffered potentially life-threatening injuries in a crash on the M5 motorway near Exeter.

Officers were called at 7.30am today (Sunday 25th January) to reports of a collision on the southbound carriageway between junction 28 for Cullompton and junction 29 for Exeter.

The man, who's in his 20s, was driving a silver BMW when it collided with the central reservation.

He remains in hospital for treatment.

A second car, a silver Mercedes, crashed into the central reservation nearby after hitting debris left on the road by the earlier collision.

The driver of the Mercedes sustained minor injuries.

Police closed the southbound side of the motorway for a period of time while emergency services attended the scene.

Officers from the Roads Policing Team have expressed gratitude to drivers for their patience during the closure.

Anyone who has information or dash-cam footage which could help the investigation is being asked to contact police via their website or by calling 101, quoting log 0162 of 25th January.

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