A31 crash: Man seriously injured after van flips into ditch

The man, in his 30s, remains in hospital in a serious condition after a crash on the A31 between Pickett Post and Castle Malwood. 

Firefighters from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Service had to rescue the van driver after the white vehicle rolled over into a ditch. 

Hampshire Police were called to the crash at at 4.13pm on Friday, March 1.

The force said nobody has been arrested yet. 

Officers left the scene at around midnight after shutting the busy dual carriageway at rush hour between Ashley Heath Roundabout and the beginning of the M27. 

Bournemouth Echo:

Bournemouth Echo: A31 at BurleyA31 at Burley (Image: Newsquest)

Initially, there were extremely heavy delays on the roads during rush hour as police diverted motorists. 

National Highways warned drivers to allow extra time and avoid the area. 

A statement said last night: "If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey." 

The fire service said it attended the site of the incident on the eastbound carriageway between Pickett Post and Castle Malwood.  

A spokesman said efforts were made to "release one person that was trapped".  

Eventually, all lanes along the A31 were reopened at around 3.30am, according to National Highways.