Two people had a lucky escape following a collision on the M5 this morning.

A Land Rover collided with a Ford Transit van on the southbound carriageway between junction 23 (Bridgwater/Puriton) and 24 (North Petherton/Bridgwater) at around 8.55am.

The Land Rover then hit the central reservation before overturning several times and smashing into a safety barrier on the other side of the carriageway.

A 60-year-old woman, who was driving the Land Rover, and a man who was in the passenger seat, have been taken to hospital.

Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

PC Owen Davies, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “This was a very lucky escape for the occupants of the Land Rover, as the safety barrier did its job and stopped the vehicle from plunging down a vertical drop of about 160ft.

“Two lanes were closed southbound while we dealt with the collision and so the Land Rover could be recovered.

“I’d like to thank the public for their patience and understanding, as this collision would have had an impact on rush-hour traffic.”