A66 closed after two HGVs overturn and 44 tonnes of potatoes spill across road
The A66 has been closed in both directions following a serious crash involving four cars and two heavy goods vehicles.
Both HGVs overturned during the collision, with one shedding around 44 tonnes of potatoes across the carriageway.
The incident happened at around 5.30pm between the B6542 junction for Appleby-in-Westmorland and the A685 junction at Brough.
Lengthy clean-up operation underway
Cumbria Police closed the road while emergency services attended the scene.
National Highways warned that the recovery operation was expected to take several hours. Both overturned lorries must first be returned to an upright position and removed.
Workers will then need to clear the large quantity of potatoes left scattered across the road.
Drivers have been told to expect delays and allow extra time for their journeys.
Diversions in place
Eastbound drivers are being diverted from the A66 at junction 40 of the M6 near Penrith.
They should travel south on the M6 to junction 38 at Tebay before following the A685 through Kirkby Stephen and back towards Brough.
Westbound traffic should leave the A66 at Brough and follow the A685 towards Kirkby Stephen and Tebay. Drivers can then join the M6 northbound at junction 38 and return to the A66 at junction 40.
Vehicles taller than 14ft 6in cannot use parts of the diversion because of a low bridge. National Highways has advised affected vehicles to travel via the A69 instead.
Police remained at the scene while the vehicles were recovered and the carriageway was cleared. Motorists should check the latest traffic information before travelling.
