Four people were injured in two separate crashes on a motorway – leaving the road closed in both directions.
One person was airlifted to hospital after the first crash on the M5 yesterday which involved a Volkswagen Camper van and a saloon car on the southbound carriageway near Cullompton, at about 1.35pm.
Two people were seriously injured in the second crash which involved three cars and an HGV on the northbound carriageway at Hele Straight near Cullompton, at about 3.45pm.
Two drivers had to be cut free of their cars in one of the crashes as medical teams carried out emergency treatment at the scene before the injured were taken to hospital.
The condition of those with more serious injuries was not known last night as they were undergoing treatment at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in Exeter.
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said there were "potentially some very serious injuries" in the second crash. He said they expected the M5 to remain closed for "some time".
Motorists were caught up in long tailbacks and diversions after the emergency services closed the M5 in both directions between Junction 28 at Cullompton and Junction 29 near Exeter for several hours.
Drivers were urged to avoid the area or delay travel if possible, Devon and Cornwall Police said.