Police investigating one of the worst motorway accidents in recent years are looking into whether a nearby firework display may have been at least partly responsible. The pile-up on the M5 near Taunton, at junction 25, resulted in the deaths of seven people and injured a further 51.

The incident involved 34 vehicles and resulted in the motorway being closed down in both directions. Among the dead are thought to be a retired couple who were returning to their home in south Wales. According to Anthony Bangham, from the Avon and Somerset Police, there had been a fireworks display near the carriageway, and that this may have been sending a significant amount of smoke onto the road.

He added that the police would now begin to interview those who were present at the Taunton Rugby Club display at the time when the crash occurred. Mr Bangham said that although there was fog at the time and driving conditions were not particularly good, the presence of smoke could have exacerbated the problems.

He went on to say that collision investigators and crime teams were already involved. Taunton Rugby Club has said that it will be doing everything it can to assist the authorities with their investigations. On its website, the club said that prayers and thoughts were being sent out to the families of those affected by the accident.

Justine Green, the transport secretary, said that police had a harrowing task ahead of them. All vehicles have now been removed from the motorway.