A40 traffic live: Fatal crash investigation closes major Cotswolds road in both directions

A major road through the Cotswolds has reopened following a fatal lorry crash today (Friday, July 18). Investigation work at the scene meant a stretch of the A40 was closed in both directions, but it has since reopened, almost 16 hours later. A man in his 30s died at the scene following a crash involving two lorries.

Another man was taken to hospital to be checked over. A man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and he remains in custody for questioning. In a statement, Gloucestershire Police said: "A man has died following a collision which involved two lorries in the early hours of this morning (Friday 18 July).

Police were called at around 12.50am with a report of a serious collision on the A40 near to Northleach. "Officers, along with the fire and ambulance services, attended the incident which happened between Northleach and Burford. One of the drivers, a man aged in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The second driver was taken hospital to be checked over and he has since been released. "A man aged in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and he remains in custody for questioning. "The A40 London Road is closed at the Northleach roundabout with the A429 heading eastbound towards Burford, and it is expected to remain closed until later today.

"Motorists who are not in heavy goods vehicles can divert through Northleach, however due to a 7.5 tonne weight restriction, this route is not permitted for heavy goods vehicles and drivers of these vehicles will need to use other routes".

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