Authorities took into custody a male driver on suspicion of being under the influence of narcotics following an incident involving a van striking the middle divide of the M48 Severn Bridge.

Emergency services responded to reports of a one-vehicle crash on the westbound lanes between junction 1 serving Aust and junction 2 serving Chepstow at approximately 2:13pm on Monday, April 27.

The delivery vehicle struck the central safety barrier, resulting in lane restrictions and significant wait times for travelers crossing the bridge.

According to a spokesperson for the constabulary, a man aged between 50 and 59 was detained at the location on allegations of operating a vehicle while impaired by controlled substances. He received medical assessment at a hospital and was subsequently released from custody while authorities await additional test outcomes.

Investigations into the events surrounding the accident remain active.

South Western Ambulance Service dispatched a double-staffed ground ambulance alongside a hazardous area response unit after receiving an emergency call at 2:26pm.

One individual was transported via ground ambulance to Southmead Hospital.

National Highways reported that lane two on the westbound M48 required closure due to scattered wreckage on the roadway and harm sustained by the central reservation barrier.

The automobile was removed and all traffic lanes became accessible again by roughly 3:45pm, though drivers were advised to anticipate ongoing delays.

Earlier, traffic monitoring systems indicated complete lane suspensions, with traffic backing up between the M4 junction 21 interchange and junction 2 for the A466 Wye Valley Link Road.

Law enforcement is requesting that anyone who witnessed the collision, or who was traveling along that segment of the M48 during the occurrence and possesses dashboard camera recordings, reach out to investigators.