UPDATE: Road re-opened at around 4pm and traffic now cleared

 

HEAVY traffic is currently queuing all the way into Cirencester town centre following the sudden closure of the A417 this morning.

THE A417 between the Air Balloon roundabout and the Cowley roundabout was closed from 9.30am this morning after a serious crash.

British occupants of a French registered vehicle were taken to hospital, with the man being taken to Southmead by air ambulance with potentially life-threatening injuries. The woman was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital by ambulance.

Three occupants of the other vehicle, a mother, father and daughter were also taken to GRH. None of the other injuries are believed to be life threatening.

Diversions were quickly put in place after the crash and traffic to Cirencester was urged to use the A436 to Severn Springs, then go right along the A435, and rejoin the A417 at Cirencester. Traffic heading the other way was told to do the same.

Despite this, traffic is backing up in Cirencester as motorists who were unaware of the diversion are turned around at the A417.

Traffic has been seen stretching all the way to London Road, and towards the town centre.

Anyone who saw the crash this morning should contact police on 101 quoting incident 98 of 02/07/15.