Driver’s miraculous escape after lorry crashes into telegraph pole and tree

Drivers have been warned of delays on a Devon A-road after a lorry crashed into a tree and telegraph pole. The A35 at Raymonds Hill was closed at around 7am today (Monday, July 8) following the crash. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue[1] crews were called to the scene at 7.05am following reports of a vehicle on fire after a crash.

However, when crews from Axminster and Charmouth arrived they found the vehicle was not on fire but had crashed into a telegraph pole and a tree. Photos taken at the scene show severe damage to the vehicle, which appeared to be a lorry. The telegraph pole has been completely knocked over and the vehicle crashed nose-first with a tree.

Axminster Fire Station, posting on Facebook, said the driver had managed to exit the vehicle and was given first aid by paramedics in a nearby property. Crews then started to make the vehicle safe by disconnecting the battery and contacted British Telecoms about a "completely broken" telegraph pole. The A35 is expected to be closed for a while today following the crash, while recovery is in process.

According to traffic monitor Inrix, the road is closed eastbound, with traffic queuing in the area: "A35 Charmouth Road Eastbound closed, queueing traffic due to accident from B3165 Crewkerne Road to Green Lane." Axminster Fire Station said: "Whilst this was ongoing crews had set up traffic management to keep 1 Lane of the A35 open. After the Police had arrived and took over traffic management duties our crew conpleted a handover form and left the scene with the Police who had requested highways and recivery of the vehicle.

"We expect there to be delays on the A35 for a duration of the day and we thank you all for your patience whilst we dealt with this incident." A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said the man driving the lorry sustained minor injuries in the crash. They said: "Police were called at 6.50am today, 8 July, following a single vehicle collision on the A35 Raymonds Hill.

A lorry was in collision with a telephone pole. "Ambulance and the fire service attended. The male driver sustained minor injuries.

The road was partially open but has now been closed fully between Charmouth roundabout to The Hunters Lodge Inn on Raymonds Hill while the vehicle is recovered.

BT is on scene to repair the damaged telephone pole."

References

1. ^ Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue (www.devonlive.com)