A27 incident: Van driver, 53, dies after collision near Chichester
A van driver died at the scene of a collision on the A27, near Chichester, the police have confirmed.
Detectives are now appealing for witnesses and information to come forward, after the fatal collision, on Wednesday (March 11).
"The incident involving a silver Ford Transit van occurred on the eastbound carriageway at about 5.30am,” a Sussex Police statement read.
“Sadly, a 53-year-old man from Portsmouth, the driver of the van, was declared deceased at the scene.
"His next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this time.”
Road closures were in place from Warblington in the west, to Fishbourne in the east, while emergency services responded.
Sussex Police added: “Officers have thanked motorists for their patience while we responded to the collision.
“They are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information such as dashcam footage in the area at the time to come forward.
“The collision happened between sections over Newells Lane and Ratham Lane near Hambrook.”
Anyone with information can report it to Sussex Police online, or by emailing [email protected], and quote Operation Chilcote.
How did the incident unfold?
National Highways: South-East reported, at 7.30am, that the A27 was closed in both directions between the A259 in Emsworth and the A259, to the west of Chichester.
This came after a ‘collision involving an overturned vehicle’.
Sussex Police then issued a statement at 8.30am.
Its social media post read: “The A27 is closed in both directions following a serious collision near Chichester this morning.
“Emergency services are responding to the incident on the eastbound carriageway between Chichester and Emsworth, reported at 5.30am.
“Road closures remain in place and motorists are advised to avoid the area and find alternative routes.
“The closures start at the junction with the A259 Havant Road at Warblington in the west and run to the junction with the A259 Fishbourne Road roundabout in the east.
“We will provide more information as soon as we can.”
Is the road now open?
National Highways, which is responsible for the A27 has been providing updates on its website.
The government agency stated: “The A27 in West Sussex is closed in both directions between the A259 near Emsworth and the A259 near Chichester west due to a serious collision involving an overturned vehicle which occurred shortly after 06:00.
“All emergency services attended the scene, including the air ambulance.
“All traffic caught within the closures have been released.
"Collision investigations and vehicle recovery are complete. Clean up works are now ongoing to treat a fuel spillage and remove debris.”
The road remained closed at 4pm.
Observer reader Su Robinson wrote: “It’s still closed. The road appears to have been cleared, but there is still an emergency vehicle there. I just drove across the bridge at the end of Stein Road and the accident was just by there.
"Tragic loss. The A259/Westbourne back roads are all gridlocked so patience is very much needed. Stay safe everyone.”
According to traffic sources, the road closures had been lifted by 5.10pm. Speed sensors are reporting that the road reopened in both directions.
National Highways provided confirmation at 5.55pm, adding on X: “The #A27 in #WestSussex is now OPEN in both directions between #A259 (#Emsworth) & #A259 (#Chichester west) following a collision involving an overturned vehicle. Thanks for your patience.”
What diversion routes were in place?
Motorists were advised to follow the route marked with a hollow diamond symbol on local road signs. Traffic travelling eastbound were told to exit the A27 eastbound at the Emsworth Interchange; join the A259 eastbound; continue on the A259 to the Fishbourne roundabout and re-join the A27
Traffic travelling westbound were advised exit the A27 westbound at the Fishbourne Roundabout on to the A259; follow the A259 westbound; continue on the A259 to the Emsworth Interchange and re-join the A27.
National Highways added: “If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.
“Further information is available from National Highways by visiting our www.trafficengland.com website and travel apps, or via our regional X feed.
“Our 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000.”
Recap all the developments, as they happened, at: https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/emergency-incident/a27-closure-live-updates-after-all-emergency-services-attend-serious-incident-road-expected-to-remain-closed-for-hours-5628398