A firefighter has been ‘seriously injured’ while attending a lorry crash on the A303.
Emergency services were called to a road traffic collision on the major route between Mere and Zeals at around 10.30am this morning (Monday).
A lorry ploughed into a broken down car – leaving the carriageway down an embankment, overturning onto its side and then catching fire.
It’s believed that both the driver of the car and the driver of the lorry – a man aged in his 50s – were taken to hospital with minor injuries. A dog within the car is thought to have escaped injury.
A spokesperson Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) said that “crews from Gillingham, Tisbury and Shaftesbury, together with a heavy rescue unit from Trowbridge and a water carrier from Wilton” were sent to the incident.
They added: “The fire was extinguished by two breathing apparatus wearers using two hose reel jets, and our stop was at 2.21pm”.
As the flames were battled, one firefighter “tripped whilst on uneven ground” – reportedly breaking their leg. He was taken to hospital for treatment, it was confirmed.
The road remains closed westbound between the B3095 and B3092 near (Mere) while complex work to recovery the lorry is ongoing.
“The recovery of the HGV will be protracted due to it’s position being approx. 10 feet down a grass verge”, according to National Highways.
“Several large trees will need to be removed before recovery can commence. Wiltshire Police are in attendance. National Highways area team are on scene to assist with traffic management.”
