Plea to motorists not to ignore road closure signs around fatal A17 crash
The road is expected to remain closed until Monday lunchtime
Last updated 11th Jan 2025
Police investigating a fatal crash on the A17 in Lincolnshire are urging drivers not to ignore road closure signs, amid fears they could compromise an ongoing investigation.
Officers remain on the scene of yesterday's collision involving a van and a tanker between Brant Broughton and Leadenham at around 7am..
The driver of the lorry, a 68-year-old man, and the 23-year-old man driving the van were both pronounced dead at the scene.
The road is expected to remain closed until Monday lunchtime.
Lincolnshire Police have issued the following statement:
"Officers have returned to the scene today, to carry out further investigative work, and there is also significant clean up work which need to be undertaken to ensure the road is safe to use. This will take until at least lunchtime on Monday and the road will not be opened until then.
"This investigation is very complex, and it is absolutely vital that our officers are able to carry out their work with the upmost care and attention, and that includes full access to the scene, which spans and large area; two people have lost their lives and they deserve our best efforts.
"Unfortunately, we have had a number of drivers today contravening the road closure notices which are in place. They have been issued with penalty notices.
"Road closure signs are mandatory; do not drive down a road which has a sign saying it is closed. If you do, you will not be insured.
"Driving on these closed roads is also very risky because they are not being gritted as they are not due to be driven on, and as such are significantly icy - including black ice which can't be seen - causing a further risk of collision. It is also risks compromising our investigation into this collision.
"We know that this is really frustrating for people who have places to be, but we ask that you please bear with us while we carry out very important stage of our investigation so that the two people who have died, and their families, have then best work done on their behalf."