TRAFFIC gridlock affected the morning commute and school run on Tuesday (October 21) as the A39 was closed when fuel spilled from a HGV involved in a collision with a small van.

The crash happened on Walnut Tree Corner, in Washford, completely blocking the road just after 7 am.

Police quickly closed the A39 on the Washford side of the Tropiquaria roundabout and put a diversion in place to redirect vehicles.

But minor roads in the area became jammed with vehicles trying to find a way around the hold up, made worse by other road closures already in place near Roadwater, Dunster, and Bilbrook.

The blockage meant First Bus had to cancel services between Minehead and Taunton pending the road’s reopening, running scuttled from Minehead to Carhampton and Taunton to Watchet.

It also highlighted the ongoing closure of the B3191 at Cleeve Hill between Watchet and Blue Anchor, which would have been an alternative route for traffic.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue (DSFR) mobilised crews from Minehead and Nether Stowey, and also sent an environmental protection unit from Taunton to attend the scene.

There were no reported serious injuries in the crash and the road remained closed for most of Tuesday.

A DSFR spokesperson said Minehead firefighters were first on the scene and they requested back-up which was sent from Nether Stowey.

The spokesperson said: “Due to the amount of fuel spilled from the HGV an environmental protection unit is also attending from Taunton to assist.

“All persons were free and clear of the vehicles.”

Police said one person in the van suffered minor injuries and was assessed at the scene by paramedics.