One side of the A27 Brighton Bypass reopens after lorry crash

One side of the A27 Brighton Bypass has reopened after a lorry crashed into a people carrier at lunchtime today (Thursday 25 July).

Both sides of the dual carriageway remained closed during the evening rush hour between Hangleton and the Holmbush turn-off.

The accident happened just after 1pm when the eastbound lorry hit a slow-moving people carrier shortly after emerging from the Southwick Tunnel.

The lorry flipped over and ended up on the westbound side of the road leaving debris on the eastbound side and damage to the central reservation.

Sussex Police advised drivers to use different roads, many of which have been jammed since the accident.

The westbound carriageway is not expected to reopen fully until tomorrow morning (Friday 26 July).

Sussex Police said: “It is believed that the dark-coloured people carrier was travelling slowly, possibly with its hazard warning lights flashing, about half a mile east of the Southwick Tunnel when it was hit by a lorry shortly after 1pm.

“The 49-year-old male driver of the people carrier suffered suspected leg and chest injuries and was taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton for treatment.

“The 79-year-old male passenger of the car suffered serious but not life-threatening head injuries and was flown to Southampton General Hospital.

“The 44-year-old male driver of the lorry was taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital for treatment for minor injuries.”

Earlier, Sergeant Tony Crisp, from the force’s Road Policing Unit, said: “I would urge drivers to stay well away from the area until after 5pm as there is very heavy congestion on the A27 and adjoining roads already.

“I would like to thank drivers for their patience but we cannot reopen the A27 until it is safe to do so.

“Specialist equipment is being brought in to remove the lorry and the Highways Agency must also repair the central reservation.

“We anticipate this could be done by 5pm but cannot guarantee this.”

Traffic officers are keen to speak to anyone who saw the crash or the people carrier travelling slowly or the lorry before the accident.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.