MOTORISTS faced chaos today after a 44-ton lorry crashed through a barrier, ploughed through trees and overturned near the Copdock interchange.Three fire crews from Ipswich using specialist cutting equipment were still trying to free the HGV's driver an hour-and-a-half after the crash, which occurred shortly after 7.

MOTORISTS faced chaos today after a 44-ton lorry crashed through a barrier, ploughed through trees and overturned near the Copdock interchange.

Three fire crews from Ipswich using specialist cutting equipment were still trying to free the HGV's driver an hour-and-a-half after the crash, which occurred shortly after 7.05am.

The driver was said to be conscious and breathing, although the extent of his injuries were unknown at the time.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk Fire Service said firefighters at the scene were considering calling for heavier-duty cutting gear as they had been unable to free the man from his cab with the equipment they had.

Paramedics were also in attendance to give the stricken driver first aid.

Lisa Miller, a spokeswoman for Suffolk police said: “The vehicle came off the A12 and then turned right on to the A14. It then went through the crash barrier and overturned.”

Mrs Miller said it appeared the lorry had also gone through some trees before coming to rest. She added major delays were expected as one lane of the Felixstowe-bound A14 and the slip road leading off the A12 were closed.

A crane was due to be called in during the morning to lift the lorry, which was carrying Tesco Value Lasagne. However police said roads around the crash would remain affected for several hours.

During the morning rush-hour tailbacks had built up on the Ipswich-bound A12 as far back as Capel St Mary and streams of traffic also queued along the A14 from Sproughton.

N If you witnessed the accident telephone The Evening Star newsdesk on 01473 324788.