It is feared more than 10 people have died in a 27-vehicle crash on the M5 near Taunton, Somerset.More than 40 people were injured in the crash, near junction 25 northbound at about 20:30 GMT on Friday, which police said led to a "massive fireball".
The cause of the crash is not yet clear but there had been heavy rain in the area earlier and there was patchy fog.
Avon and Somerset Police have released a helpline number for people concerned about relatives: 0800 092 0410.The Highways Agency said the stretch of motorway between junctions 24 and 25 was not expected to reopen until 21:00 on Saturday evening.
On Friday night, drivers reported delays of up to five-and-a-half hours and motorists have been urged to avoid the area altogether.The Highways Agency said the motorway closure had affected people leaving the Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival.
North Petherton Carnival, which was due to be held on Saturday night, has been cancelled.
Andrea Day, from Trafficlink, said one of the busiest routes on Saturday would be the A38 through Taunton and warned of disruption throughout the weekend. Traffic is reported to be stop-start on the road.
A spokesman for frozen food retailer Iceland confirmed one of the firm's lorries had been involved in the crash.
"We are working closely with all of the authorities to ascertain the circumstances of the incident and to help in whatever way we can," he said.
Taunton Deane MP Jeremy Browne said it had been a "horrendous accident".
He said: "There has not been a crash on this scale for many years and the implications of it will be life-changing for many people."
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