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- ITV Report
Victims react to today's ruling
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- ITV Report
M5 crash case dismissed by judge
Live updates
Motorway drivers hit "wall of fog"
Motorists caught up in a car crash on the M5 in which 7 people died have told an inquest how they became disorientated driving through a "white curtain" of fog.
The crash in November 2011 involved 34 vehicles. It happened on the night a fireworks display was being held at the nearby Taunton Rugby Club.
The event organiser, Geoffrey Counsell, was cleared of breaching health and safety regulations last year. Today, a coroner heard conflicting reports about the cause of the low visibility.
Richard Lawrence reports.
M5 Crash inquests to be held spring 2014
Inquests into the deaths of seven people who were killed in a crash on the M5 in Somerset will take place in the spring. Coroners will open inquests into the deaths of those that died on the 31st of March.
It comes after the organiser of a nearby Firework display was cleared of breaking health and safety laws. Geoffrey Counsel was cleared of breaking health and safety laws earlier this month.
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Date set for inquest
A date’s been set for an inquest into the deaths of seven people who died in a crash on the M5 near Taunton two years ago.
34 vehicles were involved in the pile-up and fire in November 2011, making it one of the worst motorway accidents in the country.
Geoffrey Counsell, who staged a fireworks display at nearby Taunton Rugby Club ground, was cleared last week of breaching health and safety laws amid claims drivers could not see because of smoke drifting across the road.
West Somerset Coroner, Michael Rose says he will hold a full inquest at Taunton on March 31st.
Date for M5 crash inquest set
An inquest into the deaths of seven people killed in a massive motorway crash in Somerset will take place next year.
West Somerset coroner Michael Rose will resume the hearing in March.
Council spent thousands on M5 investigation
Taunton Deane Borough Council have spent 46 thousand pounds investigating the M5 crash.7 people died in the pile up in November 2011. The case against fireworks organiser Geoffrey Counsell who organised a display near to scene of the crash was dismissed by a judge yesterday.
- ITV Report
Victims react to today's ruling
As the case against the man accused of causing the M5 crash is dismissed, our reporter Bob Cruwys has been to meet survivors.
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Victims families 'devastated' by case dismissal
The daughter of a couple who were killed in the M5 crash said she was "devastated" with the result - and still blamed Geoffrey Counsell, the fireworks organiser, for the smash.
Elaine Adams, whose parents Anthony and Pamela Adams, from Newport, south Wales, died in the accident, said: "I think I speak on behalf of all the families in the crash - we are devastated."
Geoffrey Counsell's statement
Fireworks organiser Geoffrey Counsell has criticised the authorities for prosecuting him "simply for the sake of it".In a five-minute statement read outside Bristol Crown Court, he paid tribute to the "quiet dignity" of the victims' families.
His statement was read by his solicitor Gavin Reese.
Local council reaction
The Council is now seeking to work closely with the relevant authorities to to see if the current guidance regarding large fireworks displays, such as the one at Taunton Rugby Club, is appropriate.
We also pledge our support for any changes that may be deemed necessary.
Our primary concern is to minimise the risks of this type of unimaginable incident happening again.
On behalf of the Council, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the families of the bereaved and the families and friends of all those affected by these terrible events.
I would also pay tribute to all those who showed such bravery at the scene, to all the emergency services and to staff at the hospitals where the injured
were treated.
Local MP reaction
This brings to a legal end the terrible events of two years ago.
But the families affected will live with the consequences of that appalling night forever.
Although the evidence did not support a prosecution, one legacy of what happened should still be a continued effort to improve road safety.
Britain has low casualty rates compared to other European countries, but I have written to the Transport Secretary asking him to consider what more can be done to improve visibility and remove distractions along our motorway network.