Man in his 80s dies after crash on A47

The crash took place on the Acle Straight at around 9am on Wednesday and involved a white Toyota Yaris and a white MAN lorry.  The driver of the Toyota, a man in his 80s, died at the scene[1].  The Acle Straight was closed in both directions following the crash (Image: Sonya Duncan) Police closed the road in both directions and the closure will remain in place overnight due to pre-planned maintenance work. 

Two ambulances, three fire engines and several police cars were at the scene of the crash.  Drivers faced delays and diversions throughout the day[2], with queues reported in the Caister and Filby areas.  A woman from Norwich, who was taking her children to Great Yarmouth for the day, had to find another route after arriving at the Acle roundabout.  

Police blocking the road at the Acle roundabout (Image: Sonya Duncan) "A police car was blocking the Acle Straight exit from the roundabout and it all seemed very serious," she said.  "When a road is closed for that amount of time it is never a good sign.  

"My thoughts are with everybody who was involved in the crash."   The tragedy happened after new 50mph speed limits were brought in on the Acle Straight back in May, lowering it from the national speed limit of 60mph on a single-track road.  National Highways said the new restriction was needed to prevent crashes and deaths on the busy road. 

Between 2017 and 2021, there were 54 crashes on the 6.8-mile Acle Straight, with 138 people hurt. 

Officers would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has any relevant dashcam footage.  

Anyone with any information should contact Norfolk Constabulary quoting reference NC-11072025-300. 

References

1. ^ died at the scene (www.edp24.co.uk)
2. ^ faced delays and diversions throughout the day (www.edp24.co.uk)