TRAFFIC chaos was experienced in Culm Valley villages as the A38 between Wellington and junction 27 of the M5 motorway was closed in both directions following a serious car crash in the early hours of Saturday (July 19).

Five people were hurt, one suffering what were believed to be life changing injuries, when a car flipped onto its roof at about 3 am between the Waterloo Cross roundabout and the Broad Path junction.

Drivers were left to find their own alternative route, with many trying to use the narrow roads around Uffculme and Culmstock.

The chaos drew criticism on social media from local residents frustrated at how the authorities were carrying out highway management.

But Uffculme resident Vicky Blackmore-Squires said: “Life changing, devastating accidents can happen to any one of us in a split second.

“Hopefully, the congestion will ease up soon.

“Thoughts and prayers to those involved in the accident and grateful thanks to all our local authorities.”

The A38 and junction 27 are currently being used by more vehicles than usual following Somerset Council’s closure of Wellington’s junction 26 while a three-month road resurfacing project is carried out.

The council has kept the route clear of any roadworks and promised it would only be closed in the event of an emergency.

Devon and Cornwall Police shut a stretch of both A38 carriageways from close to the Old Well garden centre to Appledore, after Saturday’s crash, which did not involve any other vehicles.

South Western Ambulance Service paramedics took the casualties to hospital.

The A38 was reopened shortly after 1 pm under temporary traffic lights while a section of the carriageway required resurfacing.