Traffic on the M5 in Devon is severely disrupted this evening due to multiple accidents. A three-vehicle collision has led to the closure of two lanes on the southbound carriageway between junctions 30 and 31, near Exeter. Witnesses reported seeing three cars damaged in the outside lane. One observer stated, "Crash on M5 [at Exeter]. Three cars involved."

National Highways confirmed that lanes 3 and 4 are closed due to the incident, advising drivers to expect delays. They stated, "Delays are building on approach, please allow extra time for your journey."

Roads and traffic monitoring site Inrix reported queueing traffic and confirmed the closure of two lanes from J30 A376 Sidmouth Road to J31 A38, which is the Okehampton turn-off. It remains unclear if there have been any injuries as a result of the crash.

In a separate incident earlier this evening, another crash occurred on the M5 southbound between junctions 29 and 30. This involved a single vehicle that ended up sideways across the inside lane. The occupants were seen waiting on the embankment. A driver described the scene, saying, "Car in lane one on M5 southbound between Cullompton and Exeter sat sideways. Occupants waiting on the embankment."

Inrix reported this accident at 8.15pm, noting that one lane was blocked from J28 A373 Honiton Road to J29 A30 Honiton Road. Additionally, two other crashes were reported on the M5 this evening, including a multi-vehicle collision involving three cars between junctions 31 and 30, and another crash involving two cars between Tiverton and Exeter.

Authorities are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and allow extra time for their journeys as traffic conditions remain challenging.