One dead and another seriously injured after two crashes in just an hour

A lorry driver has died and a van driver is critically ill after two crashes within an hour of each other on the A38 near Exeter. Credit: ITV West Country

A lorry driver has died and a van driver is critically ill after two crashes within an hour of each other on the A38 near Exeter.

Police were first called to the scene at Haldon Hill, near Chudleigh, shortly after 6.11am when the lorry, travelling eastbound, crashed through the central reservation and ended up on its side on the other carriageway.

Sadly the 34-year-old driver died at the scene.

While police and ambulance were at the scene a second crash happened, and a 37-year-old man has been airlifted to hospital with life threatening head injuries.

The lorry ended up on its side on the wrong side of the carriageway Credit: ITV West Country

Around an hour later, while police and ambulance were at the scene a second crash occurred. A 37-year-old man has been airlifted to hospital with possible life threatening head injuries.

A Vauxhall Astra, travelling up the hill, collided with the back of a lorry.

A 37-year-old man has been airlifted to hospital with serious head injuries Credit: ITV West Country

A police spokesman confirmed investigators were at the scene.

Traffic has been diverted, but officers say delays will continue well into the day.

DIVERSIONS:

  • Eastbound traffic is asked to follow the solid black diamond diversion symbols.

  • Westbound traffic to asked to follow the solid black circle diversion symbols.

  • Large vehicles are being advised to divert via A382 and A380 via Newton Abbot and Splatford Split.

Diversions are in place while investigations are carried out on the A38 Credit: ITV West Country