A39 closed near Minehead due to a police incident

Emergency services closed the A39, between Washford and Bilbrook, earlier today (October 21) following an incident.

A lorry and a van were involved in a collision on the A-road, just past Tropiquaria Zoo. The occupant of the van suffered minor injuries and was assessed by paramedics at the scene.

Highway officials are now working with emergency services to clear a large amount of fuel spilt due to the incident. As a result, the road remains closed. An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: "Officers are at the scene of a collision involving a van and a lorry on the A39, between Washford and Bilbrook, which was reported at around 7:15am today (Tuesday, October 21).

"The collision has resulted in a substantial amount of fuel to leak from the lorry, and road closures are in place while highways officials clear the road." Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were also on the scene after the incident happened. "One fire engine from Minehead[3] attended reports of a road traffic collision involving a lorry and a car, resulting in fuel spillage from the lorry's fuel tank," a Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said.

"The road is completely blocked with the collision and crews requested more fire service personnel to assist on scene so a fire engine from Nether Stowey was also mobilised.

"Due to the amount of fuel spilled from the HGV an Environmental Protection Unit is also attending from Taunton to assist."

Update: The road will remain closed this afternoon and into the evening to allow the clear up process to take place.

References

1. ^ Man arrested after motorcycle incident on A39 near Minehead (www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk)
2. ^ Taunton students hit by Suzuki Vitara driven on cycle path (www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk)
3. ^ Minehead (www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk)