THERE has been traffic chaos around Yelverton and Horrabridge today (Tuesday) after a tanker rolled over onto a car.

Police closed the A386 between Old Station Road and B3212 Dousland Road for several hours due to the collision shortly after 10am, leading to huge backlogs of traffic and motorists using backroads to circumnavigate the incident. The tanker fell onto its side and on the car near the turn off for Horrabridge.

Police reported there were no injuries in the incident. Two fire appliances from Yelverton and Tavistock stations were mobilised along with a hazardous materials and environmental protection officer. An environmental protection unit from North Tawton was also mobilised.

The tanker was carrying approximately 1,700 litres of red diesel, 1,400 litres of kerosene and 150 litres of diesel. Fuel was leaking but it was found to be from the lorry itself, not the tanker section.

Crews set to work using an Environment Agency spill kit to contain the fuel that had been spilled, and set out containment booms from the Environmental Protection Unit in case the tanker breached.

Crews stayed on site before a heavy lifting recovery vehicle arrived to remove the tanker.

Picture by Sgt Olly Tayler.