A34 hazardous material incident near Oxford causes delays

The incident was first reported at around 5pm, shortly after the collision occurred just before the Botley Interchange on the southbound carriageway between Peartree and Botley. At approximately 4.30pm, two fire crews from Rewley Road and Slade Park fire stations were called to the scene alongside specialist officers, Thames Valley Police, and South Central Ambulance Service. The van involved was carrying chemical products, prompting a hazardous materials response.

Two people were able to self-rescue prior to the arrival of emergency services. Overturned van spilled hazardous material on the A34 near Oxford caused two hours of delays on Friday evening (June 5) (Image: Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service) Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus worked to stabilise the scene and make the chemicals safe, remaining in attendance for several hours while coordinating with recovery agents.

The incident caused significant disruption on the A34. According to AA Traffic News, southbound delays between the A34 Kidlington junction and the A420 Botley interchange reached up to two hours. Northbound traffic[2] was also heavily affected, with delays of around 20 minutes reported between Abingdon North and the A34 Wytham turn-off.

One lane was reopened earlier to ease congestion, but a secondary collision within the tailback caused further delays, which were managed by Thames Valley Police.

The road was fully reopened at around 7.15pm, with traffic conditions returning to normal by approximately 9.30pm.

References

1. ^ Major A34 traffic as 'van rolls over' in Oxford crash (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)
2. ^ traffic (www.oxfordmail.co.uk)