A436 closes after car catches fire in crash (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

A436 closes after car catches fire in crash

8:00pm Saturday 15th September 2012 in News By Laura Shack

A BUSY Cotswold road was closed off for several hours after a car caught fire in a ditch following a crash today.

The A436 was closed one-way between Andoversford and Stow-on-the-Wold for around four hours after the two-car collision near Shipton Oliffe at 2.18pm.

Firefighters from Cheltenham East Station rushed to the scene and found one car in a ditch and engulfed in flames.

One man was unconscious on the roadside and was being treated by paramedics.

Back-up was requested from Cheltenham West Station for extra water. Using two hosereels and a breathing apparatus team the blaze was quickly brought under control.

Police closed the road for around four hours to ensure the safety of the emergency services and any members of the public.

Campaign group No Crash have called for lower speed limits along parts of the A436 and better signage to reinforce road safety.

A number of cars have crashed on the road over the past 12 months, including a fatal accident just two months ago.