Misery as A14 closed

SUFFOLK'S main artery, the A14, was closed in both directions today causing major traffic disruptions after a fatal accident at Girton, in Cambridgeshire.

Three articulated lorries and two cars were involved in the accident, which happened one mile east of the Girton interchange at about 7.30am.

Two of the lorries were left lying on their sides after the accident and both carriageways were blocked by the lorries.

One person was pronounced dead at the scene while two people with serious injuries had to be cut from their vehicles and were taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital.

The cars invovled were a white Fiat Uno and a red Fiat.

A number of other cars were caught up in the accident and paramedics treated a number of motorists for minor injuries and shock.

The accident forced the closure of the road in both directions.

One of the lorries came to rest across both carriageways while another collided with a car in the middle of the road.

At least one of the cars involved caught fire.

Motorists were warned to avoid the area as the accident caused severe congestion.

The road closure was expected to last for up to 12 hours while emergency services cleared the scene.

Cambridgeshire Police warned of congestion on the region's roads and advised Ipswich Town supporters travelling to tonight's game at Stoke to allow for a longer journey time than usual.

The A14 westbound was closed at Newmarket with traffic diverted south on the A11, then on to the A505 and the M11.

The eastbound carriageway was closed at Girton and traffic diverted onto the M11, then on to the A505, A11 and back onto the A14.

Traffic was moving slowly up to Newmarket but police were clearing the eastbound carriageway of the A14.

Westbound traffic remained stationary in the closed section of the A14 throughout the morning.