The investigation into the M5 crash which took place last Friday night could take weeks, according to Justine Greening, the transport secretary. She was speaking to MPs when she confirmed that the incident had resulted in seven people dying, and 51 being injured. The pile up involved a total of 37 vehicles.

Avon and Somerset Police have said that they are currently focusing their investigation on a nearby firework display. The fireworks were being let off not far from the carriageway at Taunton Rugby Club. Police suspect that there was a large amount of smoke being produced, and that it caused treacherous driving conditions on the night.

Anthony Bangham, assistant chief constable, said that police would be interviewing all those who had attended the display to find out what conditions were like leading up to the crash. He explained that smoke was extremely difficult to drive through and that it may have been combined with already foggy conditions.

Among those who lost their lives were Pam and Tony Adams, from Newport. According to Canon Andrew Willie, the pair had been together since falling in love when they were teenagers. Both were in their 70s.

Lorry drivers Terry Brice, from Bristol, and Kye Thomas, from Cornwall, also died in the accident. Both worked for the same haulage firm, Samworth Brothers. Another colleague received injuries in the pile-up. Director Mark Samworth, said it was the top priority to make sure that the victims’ families were being given everything they needed at an extremely difficult time.