Colchester Greenstead roundabout crash sees road shut for hours

Emergency services rushed to Greenstead roundabout near the junction with Avon Way at about 10.30am this morning.

After arriving at the scene police, firefighters and paramedics found several vehicles had been involved in the pile up.

The roundabout has subsequently been partially closed on its north and east side between St Andrew’s Avenue and Clingoe Hill all day.

Officers, who described it as a “serious crash”, urged drivers to “avoid the area if possible”.

As a result of the crash, traffic was slow in the area throughout the day, with queues of traffic building around the roundabout as well as along Greenstead Road, Colne Causeway and Clingoe Hill.

Crash - emergency services at the scene of the incident at Greenstead roundabout (Image: Public)

Greenstead councillor Tim Young said: “When I went down there it was massively serious, there were so many emergency vehicles there, I was told it was a four-vehicle pile-up.

“The road was completely closed off and I had to go an alternative route to get to the foodbank.

“The emergency services were giving lots of attention to those involved and I alongside fellow residents are just praying it was nothing too serious.

“I would also say a huge thanks to the emergency services who were there very quickly.”

In the past, some motorists have criticised the confusing nature of the roundabout.

But Mr Young, however, has defended its complexity.

He said: “It is complicated, so people naturally have to concentrate more and slow down because of the complexity of the roundabout.

“There have never been any major incidents I know of in recent times, and we were all very puzzled to see what happened, we just have to wait for further details.

“I think it is a very safe junction and don’t think it is the fault of the roundabout.”

The road reopened at about 7pm.

The East of England Ambulance Service has been contacted for comment.