A man died after an accident which left one of Shropshire’s busiest roads blocked for more than 14 hours.

The car driver was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on the A41 near Newport last night.

His car was left on its side in a hedge after the accident, which also involved a lorry, at Woodcote at 11.35pm.

The road remained closed until further notice.

The collision was at the junction of the A41 and A518 and the A41 near the turning for Shifnal.

Police have launched an investigation into the tragedy.

Telford & Wrekin Council workers were also cleaning a large amount of diesel from the road, which was expected to re-open later this afternoon.

The council had been hoping to get the road open again early this afternoon but were informed by police that they needed more time to carry out investigation work.

Details

Denise Wakefield, Telford Police spokeswoman, said officers wanted to hear from anybody who could help them piece together details of the accident.

She said: “It was a two-vehicle collision between a car and a lorry. The male driver of the car suffered multiple injuries and died as a result.

“The male lorry driver suffered a leg injury and was taken to the Princess Royal Hospital for treatment.”

She added that the car was heading towards Sheriffhales when the accident the happened.

Suzie Fothergill, West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman, said they had sent an ambulance and two rapid response vehicles to the scene. Crews from Newport and Wellington Fire Stations also attended.

Steve Godfrey, watch manager at Wellington, said: “The lorry was parked up on the carriageway going towards Newport. The car was in the hedge on its side. The lorry was heading towards Newport.”

Mr Godfrey said the police helicopter and dogs had been brought in to search for casualties and thermal imaging equipment was also used.

Traffic was moving slowly along the A518 Newport to Telford road with queues for several miles.

Witnesses should contact police on 0300 333 3000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

By Lisa Rowley