Drivers slammed for ignoring A358 closure after lorry crash

Drivers have been slammed for ignoring a road closure in Somerset. The A358 Halsway Hill remains closed after a lorry left the carriageway and caught fire
-Credit:Travel Somerset


Drivers have been slammed for ignoring a road closure in Somerset. The A358 Halsway Hill remains closed after a lorry left the carriageway and caught fire yesterday (Wednesday, January 15).

Somerset Council said in a post on X that the road is shut due to a major clear-up and repair operation. However, some drivers have removed barriers and ignored closure signs at the scene of the crash in Crowcombe.

The council said these motorists have spread mud and fuel spillage across a wider area. This will cost more time and money to solve.

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In a statement, they said: "Please note this road remains closed due to a major clear-up and repair operation. Teams have been working round the clock. The road is damaged There is significant fuel and mud on the surface, but drivers have ignored the closure.

"Drivers removing barriers and ignoring the closure have spread mud and fuel spillage across an even wider area. This will cost more time and money. Please bear with us, respect the closure. As soon as it is safe to open the closure will be lifted."

Avon and Somerset Police were called to the crash at around 7.50am yesterday. Officers closed the road between the junction with Culverhays Lane and the junction for Crowcombe.

Avon and Somerset Police said: "The A358 has been closed at Halsway Hill near Crowcombe following a single vehicle collision this morning (15 January). We were called at 7.52am to reports a lorry had left the road. The vehicle subsequently caught fire.

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"Emergency services are in attendance and the road is closed between the junction with Culverhays Lane and the junction for Crowcombe. No one is believed to have been injured."

For all of the latest updates from the A358, follow our live blog here.