A serious crash on the A30 near Okehampton has caused significant disruptions, leading to road closures and heavy traffic. The incident, which occurred early this morning, has left drivers stuck in long queues and disrupted travel plans.
The Incident and the Road Closure
The collision occurred on the A30, between Okehampton and Exeter, an important road corridor linking the south-western counties of Cornwall and Devon. “We rushed to the scene and called emergency services. The A30 westbound carriageway was also closed for some hours as a result.
The traffic police and recovery teams worked together to remove the wreckage and ensure that everything was safe. It encountering a significant number of commuters and travelers, particularly for people travelling to hot tourist spots in the south-west.
Heavy Traffic and Delays
The shutdown has led to major delays, with backups on nearby roads. Yet, drivers are urged to avoid the area when possible and take other routes. Local officials have also cautioned of gridlock on smaller roads as motorist seek to avoid the closure.
Heavy congestion is also due to the high number of vehicles travelling through the area. Officers have been in attendance to facilitate traffic flow and divert motorists away from the closed stretches of the A30.
Diversions and Travel Tips
Traffic diversions are reportedly in place in an attempt to relieve some of the congestion. Drivers are advised to follow the clearly signed diversion, but delays will remain as diversion routes can themselves become congested.
Travelers passing through the area have been encouraged to check traffic updates frequently. Drivers are also urged to plan for extended travel times as the storm continues to develop throughout the day.
What Emergency Services are Doing
Fire and ambulance crews quickly responded to the scene. The cause of the crash is still being investigated. One person was injured and taken to a hospital for treatment, the authorities said.
Heavy duty tow trucks continue to assist with the ongoing recovery of those affected by the crash as well as the road debris. The eastbound lanes of the A30 are clear now, but the westbound lanes remain shut, with another update later in the day.