Major Devon A-road reopens after crash destroyed lorry

Traffic was queuing at rush hour in Devon after a lorry crash on a busy A-road. The A35 was closed in both directions at Raymonds Hill after the crash was reported at around 7.40am today (Monday, July 8). According to reports, the collision involved a lorry which was severely damaged in the crash[1].

The road was closed between Green Lane and the B3165 Crewkerne Road and Google Maps shows traffic building in the area. Traffic monitor Inrix reports: "A35 Raymonds Hill in both directions closed, queueing traffic due to accident, a lorry involved from Green Lane to B3165 Crewkerne Road." Inrix reports the westbound reopened shortly before 8am, but the eastbound side remained closed.

National Highways reports the road reopened fully just before 1pm. Axminster Fire Station said on its Facebook page: "Fire control received a call from the Police reporting a vehicle on fire following an RTC on the A35 at Raymonds Hill. Control immediately mobilised Axminster and Charmouth to attend.

"Once on scene crews quickly confirmed the vehicle was not on fire but had collided with a Telecoms Pole and a Tree, fortunately the driver had managed to self extricate. Crews liaised with an off duty Paramedic who was rendering first aid to the casualty in a nearby property. "Crews then set about making the vehicle safe by disconnecting the battery in the vehicle to prevent any escalation of the incident.

Crews requested British Telecoms to attend and assess the scene as 1 x Telecoms Pole had been completely broken bringing down the lines. "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 completed a handover form and left the scene with the Police who had requested highways and recovery 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."

References

1. ^ the collision involved a lorry which was severely damaged in the crash (www.devonlive.com)