POLICE are continuing to seek witnesses to a road crash on the M5 on Friday morning which killed a young woman.

Elaina Beard, 29, who worked for Bluebird Care at Chelston, died after getting out of her broken down car and was hit by other vehicles on the North bound motorway just outside Wellington towards Taunton.

The tragedy shut down traffic in both directions with the North bound road closed for much of the day as accident investigators

sought to establish what exactly happened.

Police, fire crews and an air ambulance were called with ten people treated for injuries at the scene while two others seriously hurt were taken to Bristol.

In an emotional statement the family of Ms Beard, who lived at Bridgwater, issued the following statement: “We are totally

heartbroken at the loss of our Elaina. She was a loving sister, daughter, auntie and friend who was so caring, both as a carer in

her day job and a family member.

“Even as we write this it still doesn’t seem real that she was taken away from us so early.

“We are supporting each other as a family and have sought a little comfort in the outpouring of messages from people close and far, and we thank you all.

“We take some comfort knowing she is now with our nan and grandad.”

Not long after the accident happened, Avon and Somerset Police

Inspector Darren Jarvis said: “Not all of those vehicles have been identified at this time.

“I would ask that anybody that was travelling that road at the time, and may have been involved, to come forward - phone 101 - identify what has been seen and what has happened.”

Colleagues of Ms Beard at Bluebird Care described her as a “passionate carer” who would be “incredibly missed.”

A spokesman for Bluebird said the “ripple effects’ of her death had been felt by colleagues across the business.”

He added: “Elaina took great pride in her work and put every effort into giving every one of our customers the care they deserved.

“She was a passionate carer, who was much loved and respected.

“She lived and breathed what she did and will be incredibly missed by all of our staff.”

Police said on Monday that they were still investigating the accident because the “scene was complicated at the time.”

He added: “We urge anyone who has any information about the

tragedy and who has not been in touch with us to do so right away. Even the smallest of information will be of interest to us.”

The accident happened early on Friday morning as drivers were

making their way to work. With the motorway closed, Wellington

became gridlocked as vehicles came off the motorway. The knock-on

effect was felt the other side of Taunton.

THERE were more problems on the M5 near Wellington yesterday

(Tuesday, February 13) morning after a serious accident.

The incident happened between Junctions 25-26 (Taunton and Wellington) where a motorcyclist was seriously injured after coming off his bike.

A police spokesman said: “He was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton with serious multiple injuries.”

The motorway was closed – as the WWN was going to press – between

Junctions 25-26 southbound and motorists were being urged to avoid or delay journeys.

There was also a further serious collision which Devon and Cornwall Police were dealing with between Junctions 28-29 (Cullompton and Exeter) southbound.

A police spokesman said: “We would like to thank people for their

patience while we deal with the incidents.”