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.
M5 crash case dismissed by judge
The case against the man who put on a fireworks display close to the M5 in Somerset where 7 people died has been dismissed.
Fireworks man 'failed over safety'
The M5 crash could have been avoided if the organiser of a fireworks display fulfilled his health and safety duties, a jury has heard.
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Council to reconsider fireworks display guidance
Taunton Deane Borough Council say they will reconsider the guidance for putting on large fireworks displays following the acquittal of an organiser Geoffrey Counsell.
Mt Counsell was accused of failing to ensure safety when he organised a display at a rugby club near to where 7 people died in a crash on the M5.
The Council is now seeking to work closely with the relevant authorities 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.
– Cllr John Williams, Council Leader, Taunton Deane Borough CouncilI 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.
There will be a Coroner’s inquest in due course and the Coroner may make recommendations having heard the evidence laid before the inquest.
M5 crash case dismissed by judge
The case against the man who put on a fireworks display close to the M5 in Somerset where 7 people died has been dismissed.
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Crash site becomes focus
The jury in the M5 crash trial have been visiting the scene of the accident, where seven people died.
The pile-up has been described as one of the worst motorway crashes in British history.
Today focus turned to Taunton rugby club, where the man accused of failing to ensure the safety of others, organised a fireworks display that night.
Rebecca Broxton reports.
Pictured: site of fireworks display on night of M5 crash
The picture shows Taunton Rugby Club, site of a fireworks display on the night of the fatal M5 crash, which happened nearby. The prosecution allege that smoke from the display contributed to the crash, in which 7 people died.
The display organiser, Geoffrey Counsell, is accused of failing to ensure the safety of others. He denies the charge.
Fireworks man 'failed over safety'
The M5 crash could have been avoided if the organiser of a fireworks display fulfilled his health and safety duties, a jury has heard.
Read the full storyDrivers 'disorientated' by fireworks smog
The organiser of a fireworks display, near the scene where seven people died in a crash on the M5, has gone on trial.
Geoffrey Counsell denies failing to ensure the safety of others following the tragedy near Taunton two years ago.
The pile-up was described as one of the worst motorway crashes in British history.
Today the prosecution said conditions gave vehicles no chance of stopping.
One driver described it as 'like having a tin of paint thrown over your windscreen.'
From Bristol Crown Court, here's David Woodland.
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Man in court over fatal M5 crash
The only man charged in relation to a major crash on the M5 is due in court this morning. Seven people died and 51 were injured in the accident in November 2011.
Geoffrey Counsell had organised a fireworks display close to the motorway. He denies the charges of failing to ensure the health and safety of others.
He is due to appear at Bristol Crown Court later, the trial is expected to last 6 weeks.
Full report: man pleads not guilty to M5 crash charge
A man charged in connection with the M5 crash in Somerset which killed seven people, has pleaded not guilty to a breach of health and safety law.
Firework company boss Geoffrey Counsell organised a display at a rugby club beside the motorway in Taunton on the night of the pile-up in November 2011. From Bristol Crown Court, Richard Payne reports.
Firework boss pleads not guilty to health & safety charge
The only man to be charged following the M5 crash in Somerset which killed seven people has today pleaded not guilty to a breach of health and safety.
Firework company boss Geoffrey Counsell organised a display at a rugby club beside the motorway in Taunton on the night of the pile-up in November 2011.
From Bristol Crown Court, Richard Payne reports:
M5 crash: Man pleads not guilty to health & safety charge
The only man to be charged following the M5 crash in Somerset which killed seven people has today pleaded not guilty to a breach of health and safety.
Firework company boss Geoffrey Counsell organised a display at a rugby club beside the motorway in Taunton on the night of the pile-up in November 2011.
As well as the seven deaths, 51 people were injured, some seriously, in what was one of the worst ever motorway crashes in the UK.
Mr Counsell appeared at Bristol Crown Court to deny a charge that on November 4, 2011 he failed the ensure the health and safety of persons unknown.
He was released on unconditional bail at the end of a 50 minute hearing. A provisional trial date has been set for November 11.
Charges of manslaughter were dropped at an earlier hearing.
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