A badly-damaged lorry involved in a fatal accident when it plunged off a roundabout in Wakefield Road in Bradford has now been removed from the pedestrian subway where it came to rest.

The road was closed for several hours, causing massive traffic disruption, but has now reopened.

Police said a HGV driver was killed early today in the accident.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said the 47-year-old driver of the wagon was found to be dead at the scene after his vehicle went through the wall and railings and fell into the pedestrian subway below in the middle of the roundabout.

The spokesman said no other vehicle was involved and there were no other injuries. Police are appealing for witnesses.

 

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The incident happened at the roundabout near St John's Church, Bowling, and New Hey Road Methodist Church.

The A650 Wakefield Road was closed in both directions between the Dudley Hill Roundabout and the Bowling Back Lane junction due to the incident, which occurred at 2.10am.

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A large hole can be seen in the subway wall, created by the lorry.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service initially said the driver had been taken to hospital with serious injuries, but police later said the he had been found dead at the scene.

Firefighters from Bradford, Cleckheaton, and Fairweather Green attended the incident, along with police and ambulance services.

Police remain at the scene, and the road is likely to be closed for some time.

Metro tweeted: "The incident is causing delays and diversions to many bus services operated by Metro.Services 617, 618 and 620 diverted via Bowling Back Lane and Sticker Lane due to accident on Wakefield Road, #DudleyHill."

The subway was cordoned off at each entrance and a large number of police were on the scene, along with recovery vehicles.

Earlier, a West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Emergency services remain at the scene today as work continues to make the road and subway safe and remove the lorry which sustained extensive damage.

"Specialist lifting eqipment has been requested to remove the lorry and the A650 remains closed at the location.

"The incident has caused significant traffic disruption and drivers are being urged to avoid the area."

PC Nigel Fawcett Jones, of the Safer Roads and Neighbourhood Support Team, said: "Enquiries into the cause of what has been a significant and tragic incident on Bradford’s roads are ongoing today as is work to recover the lorry.

"Due to the scale of the collision this is very delicate work and is taking time. We apologise to drivers for delays and thank everyone for bearing with us.

"We are appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident, or who may have seen the HGV before the collision, to contact myself at the Safer Roads and Neighbourhood Support Team on 101."