Long queues and diversions in place as A303 remains shut following fatal accident
The A303 has remained closed overnight for police investigation work between the Sparkford and Podimore roundabouts - with drivers being diverted towards Yeovil.
Last updated 17th Jun 2021
A 36 year old man has been arrested after a person died on the A303 last night - which remains shut this morning.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: "The collision, between a car and a lorry, happened at about 10.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 16 June).
"Emergency crews were called to the location but the driver of the car, a 32-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene.
"His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
"A 36-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and enquiries are ongoing.
"The road is likely to remain closed for some time while an investigation is carried out at the scene and repair work is carried out due to a fuel spillage. Motorists are advised to avoid the route.
"Police are appealing for anyone that witnessed the collision to make contact.
"They would also like to hear from anyone who holds dash cam footage from the A303 between Cartgate and Podimore, between 10.15pm and 10.30pm yesterday.
"If you have any information which could help our investigation, please contact the Roads Policing Unit by calling 101 and giving the call handler the reference number 5221134914."
Fire crews from CastleCary, Wincanton, Sherborne and Yeovil worked alongside police and ambulance crews following the accident.
A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire service said: "Fire control received a call reporting a road traffic collision between a HGV and a car, with a person still trapped in the car.
"Fire engines from Wincanton, Castle Cary, Sherborne and a Heavy Rescue Unit and support pump from Yeovil were all sent.
"On arrival crews confirmed there was one person still within the vehicle and are working alongside Police and Ambulance."
A spokesperson for Highways England had this advice to drivers in Somerset: Please be aware and allow extra journey time if travelling or planning to travel on the A303 in the Yeovil area this morning."
More information from Highways England can be found here
Westbound diversion route
Road users are advised to follow the solid black triangle diversion symbol on road signs.
Exit the A303 at the Sparkford junction and join the A359 southbound.
Follow the A359 south towards Yeovil.
At the Yeovil College Roundabout join the A37 Ilchester Road, northbound.
Follow the A37 north towards Ilchester.
Re-join the A303 at Ilchester.
Eastbound diversion route
Road users are advised to follow the solid black square diversion symbol on road signs.
Exit the A303 at the Ilchester junction and join the A37 southbound.
Follow the A37 south towards Yeovil.
At the Yeovil College Roundabout join the A359 Mudford Road, northbound.
Follow the A359 north towards Sparkford.
Re-join the A303 at Sparkford.