A teenager has died after ‘exiting an ambulance and running into traffic’ on the M5.
The fatal incident unfolded on the motorway between Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon shortly after 11pm on Sunday night (30 November).
Medics stopped their ambulance on the northbound carriageway to provide further care to an 18-year-old man who they were conveying to hospital.
A short time later, the patient exited the ambulance onto the M5. A police officer came across the situation and attempted to bring the man to safety.
Despite their efforts, the man was involved in a collision with a car being driven southbound, and he died at the scene. His family have been informed and are being supported.
Due to police contact prior to his death, a referral was made to the police watchdog. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family at such a devastating time. We will support them in any way we can.
“This incident has had a significant effect on our officers and ambulance crews who are understandably incredibly upset by what happened.
“As well as providing support to the man’s family, we are also making sure that the appropriate welfare arrangements are in place for our staff and also for those members of the public who were either directly involved or who witnessed the incident.
“A mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) by our Professional Standards Department. It’s already begun an independent investigation into the circumstances, which we will fully cooperate with.”
