EXPERIENCED firefighter Richard Lake feared the worst when Devizes crews were called to an accident between a lorry and a tipper van on Tuesday evening at Monument Hill.

Crew manager Mr Lake said: "The van was totally crumpled and in a dreadful state. I was amazed when we realised the driver had managed to get out with only minor injuries. We were expecting to find people trapped but we were very relieved to be able to call it in to say that was not the case.

"The van driver had an incredibly lucky escape. He was being checked over by the ambulance paramedics when we arrived.

"The lorry driver was unhurt as the van collided with the back of his vehicle."

Two appliances from Devizes fire station were called to the accident on the A342 Nursteed Road, near Stert just after 5pm after a van collided with a lorry belonging to Wiltshire Waste near to the entrance of the firm's depot.

There was rush hour chaos as police closed the road for more than 90 minutes. Debris was spread across both carriageways.