Delays as lorry overturns on busy Exeter roundabout

Police say the driver has suffered minor injuries in the incident at Clyst St Mary

A lorry has overturned on a busy roundabout in Exeter this afternoon, causing heavy delays.

It happened on the Clyst St Mary roundabout, near the junction for the M5, at just after 1pm.

Fire crews worked alongside paramedics to release the male driver, who was trapped.

Police say he has suffered only minor injuries, but are asking motorists to avoid the roundabout, which is partially closed.

They say it will be a number of hours before the lorry is cleared.

Avoid Clyst St Mary roundabout A3052 Exeter. HGV overturned, minor injuries only but will take a number of hours before road is fully cleared. #DSECTRPT #ROADSAFETY @DevonLiveNews @DC_Police pic.twitter.com/6DVGnZAndF

— Alliance RPT 📱+🚗=❌ (@RoadPolAlliance) March 25, 2019

A police spokesperson said: “We were called at around 1pm with reports of an artic lorry on its side on the Clyst St Mary roundabout.

“Emergency services are at the scene, the driver remains in the cab but injuries are believed to be minor. Traffic is managing as the central lane through the roundabout has been opened.

“The localised closure / changes to the road is expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future due to recovery and clean-up."

Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue said nine appliances from Middlemoor and Topsham, along with the heavy rescue vehicle from Middlemoor, attended the incident.

Crews worked alongside paramedics to release the driver using small tools, a ladder and a hose reel jet laid out as a precaution.

Once released, they say he was taken into the care of paramedics, after which crews made the scene safe and left duty of care with the Police.