A PASSENGER died when a scaffolding lorry overturned on the Avon Ring Road
Police say the lorry collided with the central reservation of the A4174 between the Dramway and Siston Hill roundabouts at around 5.25pm yesterday.
An Avon and Somerset police spokesperson said: “Sadly, a passenger of the vehicle, died at the scene.
“Their next of kin has been informed and our thoughts are with them at this time. A specially trained officer will provide them with support as we investigate what happened.
“A 37-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently in police custody.
“No other vehicles are believed to have been involved in the incident.”
Police confirmed that the driver had been treated in hospital for minor injuries before being taken into custody.
They have not confirmed any details relating to the vehicle passenger, or how many people were in the vehicle at the time.
The road remained closed between the two roundabouts today following investigations and work to repair the carriageway after the incident, which happened near the Bridge Inn overbridge carrying traffic between Mangotsfield and Shortwood.
Drivers diverted away from the ring road were using alternative routes through Mangotsfield, Emersons Green, Shortwood and Siston, with residents reporting queues on some roads in each area.
One lane of the northbound carriageway opened this afternoon but the southbound carriageway was due to stay closed overnight.
A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: “A single lane on the northbound carriageway is open but lane two is closed to allow us to safely repair damage to the central reservation.
“The repairs required to the barriers are substantial and work will take place overnight and into tomorrow.
“There was also a large diesel spill across both southbound lanes which means resurfacing is required. We are carrying out that work today.
“We hope to be able to reopen the road tomorrow but there will be single lanes in both directions while we continue with repairs to the barrier.”
Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage to contact them by calling 101 and quoting the incident reference number 5223 297 300.