Multi Vehicle Collision on A3

Published on: 23 Aug, 2013
Updated on: 23 Aug, 2013

Motorists were advised to avoid the A3 this morning after the southbound carriageway was closed following a collision involving a number of vehicles near Ripley.

Officers were called to the scene at around 11.20pm last night (Thursday, August 22) following reports that an articulated lorry laden with tyres had collided with a broken down car just after Ripley services.

The lorry travelled up the embankment and jack-knifed, shedding some of its load on the carriageway. A Vauxhall Astra then collided with rear of the lorry and also overturned.

A number of other vehicles have then collided with either the Astra or the lorry and in total seven vehicles were involved.

The lorry driver was initially trapped in his cab and had to be freed by the fire service. He has since been taken to St George’s Hospital in Tooting with minor leg injuries. There were no other injuries reported.

The carriageway closed between Ockham and Ripley while the significant debris was cleared and the lorry and other vehicles were recovered.

Police and the Highways Agency worked to reopen the carriageway as soon as possible but motorists were advised to avoid the A3 southbound and seek alternative routes wherever possible. The northbound carriageway was unaffected.

Officers are appealing for any witnesses who saw the collision or any of the vehicles prior to it to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to call the Surrey Police Collision Investigation Unit on 101 or 01483 639922 quoting reference p13256885.