A31 closed in Hampshire after 'serious collision' - updates

Police statement in full

We are appealing for witnesses and information following a fatal collision on the A31 between Cadnam and Ringwood in the early hours of this morning.

Officers were called at 3.05am today (19 April) to a report that that a Vauxhall Astra van had collided with the central reservation on the westbound carriageway.

The man then exited the vehicle and a collision, which involved a Range Rover and the man, occurred.

Sadly a man in his 20s, from Ringwood, was pronounced dead at the scene. His family have been informed.

The westbound carriageway was closed and was re-opened shortly after 10am.

As part of our investigation, officers would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision, the moments leading up to it or the aftermath.

Anyone who saw what happened or has any information, including dash cam footage that may assist our enquiries, is asked to call 101 quoting the reference 44250169763.

Alternatively, go online and submit information via https://orlo.uk/shANO

The man, in his 20s, was driving a Vauxhall Astra which crashed into the central reservation.

He got out of the car and was hit by a Range Rover, police said.

Police have confirmed a man has died after a crash on the A31 this morning.

'Never seen anything like it'

Peter Lovesey, who was commuting in the opposite direction of the incident, said he had 'never seen anything like it.'

"There were lorries stuck in laybys, and loads of police and forensics vans," he said.

He spotted multiple black Mercedes cars and added: "It was strange because I couldn’t see a crash, just one car with its door open, parked at an angle."

Road reopened

National Highways has confirmed that the road has reopened and the delays are clearing well.

Police say they are now reopening the road.

A spokesperson said: "We are just in the process of re-opening the A31 Westbound between Cadnam & Ringwood. Thank you for your patience."

This map shows the road closure area, which looks to be more than ten miles long.

(Image: Google Maps)

Diversion route

For those heading towards Bournemouth and the south west today, National Highways have released a diversion route while the A31 is closed westbound.

• Exit the M27 at J2
• Take the A326 southbound
• At the junction with the A35 near Colbury exit the A326 and turn right
• Take the A35 westbound and remain on this road towards Bournemouth passing through Lyndhurst, Allum Green, Holmsley, Hinton Admiral.
• At the Somerford Roundabout in Christchurch take the third exit to remain on the A35
• Follow the A35 through Christchurch to the Ilford Roundabout with the A3060
• Take the third exit on to the A3060 and follow this road to the Cooper Dean Roundabout with the A338
• Take the third exit from the roundabout on to the A338
• Remain on the A338 to the Ashley Heath Roundabout with the A31
• Take the first exit for the A31 westbound towards  (traffic for Ringwood take the third exit to join the A31 eastbound)

The police have not said how many vehicles were involved or whether there were any injuries. We'll bring that to you as soon as we get it.

In a further statement to the Echo, a spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We were called at 3.05am today (19 April) to a serious road traffic collision on the A31 westbound between Cadnam and Ringwood.

"The road remains closed while the emergency services deal with the incident. We will provide further updates when we can."

The A31 is closed westbound between Cadnam and Ringwood this morning.

The road is likely to be closed until late morning, according to Hampshire police.

In a post on Facebook, the force said: "The A31 Westbound between Cadnam & Ringwood is closed due to a serious collision.

"This is likely to be closed until late morning, please find an alternative route."

Good morning and welcome to our live blog.

The A31 is closed westbound in the New Forest this morning after a "serious collision".

We'll bring you live updates as we get them.