Lorry driver bailed over A27 Brighton Bypass crash

The 44-year-old lorry driver who was arrested after a crash forced the closure of the A27 has been released on police bail.

The man, from Doncaster, was arrested and questioned after the lorry that he was driving crashed into a black Vauxhall Zafira near Southwick Tunnel shortly after 1pm yesterday (Thursday 25 July).

The eastbound lorry crossed the central reservation and turned over, blocking the westbound side of the road.

Sussex Police said: “The eastbound side of the road had to be closed because of the damage to the barrier and the wreckage of the Vauxhall.

“It is believed that the car was travelling slowly, possibly with its hazard warning lights flashing, about half a mile east of the Southwick Tunnel when it was hit.”

The 49-year-old driver of the Vauxhall, a man from Hassocks, suffered leg and chest injuries and was taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton for treatment.

His passenger, a 79-year-old man, also from Hassocks, suffered what were at first thought to be serious head injuries and was flown to Southampton General Hospital. Those injuries are now believed to be relatively minor.

The lorry driver was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton where he was treated for minor injuries.

After he was released from hospital he was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving.

The A27 was closed between Hangleton and Holmbush for more than six hours and further repair work to the central barriers meant that it had to be closed again later yesterday evening.

Sergeant Tony Crisp, from the Sussex Police Road Policing Unit, said: “Motorists faced many hours of delays because of the collision and I am grateful for all the patience they showed.

“Although the incident itself was over relatively quickly the A27 was left too dangerous to use until the vehicles involved had been removed and the barriers made safe.

“I am still keen to speak to any drivers who saw the collision take place or who saw either of the vehicles involved in the minutes beforehand.”

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