Part of the A12 remains closed after lorry falls from bridge

The lorry which veered off the A12 and crashed below a bridge. Photo: Erin Bristow (Image: Archant)

Essex Police had closed the road in both directions to deal with the incident which saw a lorry plunge off Coleman's Bridge and burst into flames onto the southbound carriageway at Witham.

Joe McCallum, from Essex, was driving his van on the northbound carriageway immediately after the crash, which happened at around 3.45pm, and said part of the lorry container was on fire.

The 28-year-old said he believed it was a lorry carrying frozen goods but that he could not see anything more due to the vehicle's 'mangled' state.

The northbound carriageway has reopened to traffic but on Facebook, Essex Police advised motorists that the A12 will remain closed southbound between Marks Tey and Boreham overnight. Coleman's Bridge is also closed.

A12 bridge closure following a lorry crash. Picture by: Chloe Willis (Image: Archant)

MORE: Delays expected on A12 after lorry 'falls from bridge'

The statement said: 'It will not be open for tomorrow morning's rush hour and potentially may be closed until lunchtime. 'Please bear this in mind when starting out for your morning commute tomorrow, anyone who normally uses this route will need to make alternative plans.'

The A12 is closed from Junction 25 at Marks Tey to Junction 19 at the Boreham Interchange. Drivers are asked to use alternative routes.

Highways England's standard diversion for an incident along this stretch of the A12 is to divert traffic along the A120 and the A130/A131, via Braintree.

The view from the bridge on top of the A12 where the lorry veered off and crashed. (Image: Archant)

Highways England has confirmed that the planned maintenance roadworks on the A120 from Marks Tey to the Earls Colne/Coggeshall turn off at the B1024 have been cancelled to help with traffic diversions.