Boxing Day tanker crash shuts A49 in Shropshire
A main route into Shropshire was shut today after a crash involving a fuel tanker and a car.
Emergency crews were called to the A49 just south of Ludlow after the collision happened shortly after 9am.
Diesel from the tanker had spilled across the road, causing it to be closed in both directions between the A4117 Ludlow Bypass and the A456 Woofferton Crossroads.
Noone was trapped as a result of the crash, firefighters said, and there are thought to have been no serious injuries.
The southbound carriageway was opened again after several hours but a stretch of the northbound road remained closed late into the afternoon as a result of the spillage.
At 2.30pm, a West Mercia Police spokesman said: "The road closure on the A49 northbound between B4361 at Overton and Ashford Bowdler is likely to remain for some time. Highways, fire service and police are dealing at scene."
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service crews based in Ludlow tackled the diesel spillage from the tanker and left the scene shortly before 10am.
Highways England warned drivers to expect delays and diverted traffic past the scene via the A4117 and A456.
"Delays are likely on the approach to the closure, with additional journey times also expected on diversion routes," a spokesman said.
"Please allow extra time for your journey if travelling in the area or consider alternative routes."
On Christmas Day crews also attended a smash on the A454 at Hilton near Bridgnorth at 11pm.
