A LORRY that lost control on the M5 yesterday narrowly avoided echoing Saturday’s horror crash, in which four people died and three others were left in a critical state.

It appears that it was only the strength of the metal barrier that stopped the lorry from veering from the southbound carriageway into the northbound lanes near Michaelwood services, with the vehicle ending up stuck on the central reservation.

There were not believed to be any serious injuries in the incident, which happened just after 7.20am.

Saturday’s horror crash on the M5, between Almondsbury and Thornbury, saw a lorry smash through the central barrier from the southbound carriageway, hitting at least two cars before going off the edge on the other side, at around 2.30pm.

Witnesses have said that one of the lorry’s tyres blew out, causing the driver to lose control.

Among the four people who were killed was 46-year-old Adrian Beaumont, who had been driving a Seat Leon, with his 42-year-old partner and their two children, aged 12 and 10, also in the car – all three remain in hospital, having been admitted with life-threatening injuries.

A fleet of emergency services attended the scene and that section of the M5 was closed for most of the weekend.

Thousands of cars were caught in widespread gridlock as a result, which affected main roads in South Gloucestershire and Bristol and saw tailbacks on the M5 as far as Portishead.

Superintendent Simon Ellis said: “This was a horrific incident which has tragically claimed the lives of four people and seriously injured three others.

“I’d like to thank the emergency services personnel who have been working extraordinarily long hours at a very complex scene to ensure a thorough investigation is carried out and the road is cleared as quickly as possible.

"I’d also like to once again praise the members of the public who courageously went to the aid of those involved in this collision and in some cases rescued them from their vehicles. Their bravery and composure must be commended.”

Inspector Frazer Davey said yesterday: “We’re still at the start of a lengthy and complex investigation to determine what happened.

“Since Saturday, we’ve had more than 50 witnesses come forward with information so it’ll take time to speak to all these people and take statements. We’d like to thank the public for their support and assistance.

“The examination of the vehicles also continues and we’re working closely with experts who will assist us in determining what caused this tragic collision.

“We’re keen to hear from any witnesses who have not already provided their details, in particular anyone who may have been travelling on the southbound carriageway who saw the white Mercedes box van immediately prior to the collision.”

Highways England’s duty operations manager Bev Mears said: “We’d like to echo the sympathy of police colleagues to those affected by this tragic incident and thank the emergency services with whom we have worked closely, along with the public, for their cooperation and patience.”

Last Thursday, a 27-year-old man died when he was hit by a lorry between the Almondsbury and Thornbury junctions of the M5, having left his car parked on the hard shoulder and walked into the road.