A man has died after a crash involving a tractor on the A14 Orwell Bridge this morning, police have confirmed. The bridge remained closed for just over eight hours following the incident but reopened just after 2.50pm.
The driver of a Nissan Cabstar van, which had stopped, was on the road when he was involved in a collision with a “large agricultural vehicle” on the A14 eastbound between junctions 56 (Wherstead) and 57 (Nacton) at 6.45am today.
The man died at the scene as a result of the injuries he sustained in the collision, Suffolk Constabulary said.
The A14 eastbound was closed between junctions 55 and 57 for eight hours following the incident at reopened just after 2.50pm.
An investigation into the collision is under way. Police are asking any witnesses, particularly those who might have dashcam footage, to get in touch by calling 101, quoting CAD 46 of today (October 20).
There have been no arrests.
The East of England Ambulance Service Trust was called to the scene. Two ambulances were earlier seen on the bridge, as well as a large police presence.
The fire service was not called to the incident, a force spokesman said.
Earlier, police warned there will be “gridlock” in the town throughout the morning. Motorists in the area are already reporting of “standstill” traffic. Some have claimed to have not moved on or near the bridge for over two hours.
Highways England said vehicles are “trapped” on the bridge and are “in the process of being turned away from the scene”. A spokesman said: “Normal traffic conditions are expected between 2.45pm and 3pm.”
In Ipswich, there are long delays in: Wherstead Road (back up to Freston Hill), Heath Road, Felixstowe Road, Bixley Road, parts of Colchester Road, London Road, Yarmouth Road, Star Lane.
Heavy traffic on the A12 is also reportedly stretching back to Capel St Mary. Traffic delays have also been reported in Sproughton, Bramford, back up the A14 to Great Blakenham (where traffic is being delayed by an hour reportedly), and Kesgrave.
Suffolk Constabulary statement (9.35am)
Police and emergency services currently at the scene of a serious collision on the Orwell Bridge.
Police were called at 6.45am today, Friday 20 October, to reports of a collision on the eastbound carriageway of the A14 between junction 56, Wherstead and 57, Nacton.
A Nissan Cabstar van had stopped on the carriageway and the driver was out of the vehicle when both he and the van were struck by a large agricultural vehicle. Sadly, the man has died at the scene as a result of injuries sustained in the collision.
The eastbound carriageway of the A14 remains closed between Copdock and Wherstead and is expected to be shut for several hours. Diversion are in place.
An investigation into the full circumstances of the incident is now underway. Police are asking any witnesses, or any drivers who may have relevant dash-cam footage to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 101, quoting CAD 46 of today.
Diversion
A Highways England spokesman said: “The A14 in Suffolk is closed eastbound between J55 (Copdock) and J57 (Nacton) due to a serious collision on the Orwell Bridge. Suffolk Police are on scene and expect the road to be closed for several hours.
“Traffic is being diverted and should exit the A14 at J55 (Copdock Mill) and follow the A1214 through Ipswich to the Woodbridge Road roundabout. Take the second exit and take the A1189 to Felixstowe Road, join the A1156 and continue to re-join the A14 at J58.
“Motorists are advised to allow additional travelling time if heading towards the area as long delays are expected throughout the morning.”
A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service Trust said: “We were called to this incident at 6.44am today.
“Two ambulance crews and an ambulance officer were dispatched to the scene.
“Sadly, a man died at the scene.”
The spokesman added that no-one else was treated at the scene.
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