ALL lanes at Ilminster's Southfields Roundabout have been re-opened following a crash which led to a chemical spill.

Emergency services rushed to the scene near A303 shortly after 7.30am (September 18) and shut the road off to deal with the incident.

The A358 was closed in both directions south of the roundabout with traffic reports citing a "substantial spillage of Hydrocloric Acid over the road opposite the shell petrol station."

There was a diversion in place via the A358 onto Broadway Road and into Horton village.

Chard & Ilminster News:

The road was reopened eastbound, heading towards the roundabout, at around noon and opened westbound, heading towards Chard at 4pm.

A spokesman for the fire service said: "One fire appliance from Ilminster, one from Chard, the Environmental Protection Unit from Barnstaple along with a Hazardous Materials and Environmental Protection Advisor were all sent to a report of a spillage of hydrochloric acid at the above location.

Chard & Ilminster News:

"A lorry carrying the chemical had braked hard, causing its load to shift, which then split a 25 litre container of hydrochloric acid.

"This then spilled into the lorry and out onto the road surface.

"Using chemical protection suits, respirators and gauntlets Fire Service personnel removed the split container and put it into another bunded container to prevent further leakage.

"They also cleared contaminated material from the road surface.  Duty of care was left with Police and Highways."

Somerset County Council's Highways department were also on the scene to assist with the clear up.

A spokesman said: "Once they've finished we will begin clear up and assess condition of road to ensure it's safe to reopen."

Chard & Ilminster News: