Diesel spill forces police to close road between Washington and Findon

A LARGE diesel spill has caused major disruption on the A24 southbound between Washington and Findon.

Police have closed the stretch of road after a lorry struck a crash barrier and ruptured its fuel tank – spilling a large amount of diesel across the carriageway.

Just before 8am northbound lanes were also temporarily closed because of traffic backing up.

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The incident happened just before 6.30am and involved a Volvo refrigerated truck. It suffered nearside damage after colliding with a barrier near the Windlesham House overbridge, near Findon.

It is thought it may be some time before the spillage can be cleared and the road re-opened. Motorists are being advised to avoid the area and to seek alternative routes.

Sergeant Phil Duffy, of Sussex Police’s road policing unit, said: “ As well as the skid danger, the diesel oil is also thought to have damaged the road surface itself. Highways and Environment Agency officers are currently examining the scene.

“Clearly it’s a busy time of day for this to have happened, and I would like to thank drivers whose journeys have been affected for their patience.”

Anyone who saw what happened to the lorry just prior to the spillage is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101 or email [email protected], quoting serial 162 of 19/8.