Chaos on the A52: A bizarre combination of a multi-vehicle crash and escaped animals brought traffic to a standstill!
Imagine this: you're cruising along the A52 Brian Clough Way, expecting a smooth Sunday drive, when suddenly, you're faced with a scene straight out of a peculiar nature documentary. That's exactly what happened on Sunday, February 15th, when a multi-vehicle collision, compounded by the unexpected presence of animals on the carriageway, led to the complete closure of this major route in both directions.
But here's where it gets truly unusual... Traffic information service Inrix first flagged the incident around midday. They reported not just a typical road accident, but also the rather startling news of animals roaming freely on the road. This dual threat caused significant disruptions, with traffic queues stretching all the way from Ockbrook to Junction 25 of the M1. The affected stretch of road was closed from Victoria Avenue right up to the M1's Junction 25.
Derbyshire Constabulary confirmed the closure, stating, "The A52 is currently closed in both directions between Borrowash and the M1 due to a collision. The road will remain closed for some time, and drivers are asked to avoid the area and take alternative routes." This meant a considerable inconvenience for many.
And this is the part most people miss... While the initial reports focused on the crash, the presence of animals added a layer of complexity and, frankly, a touch of the surreal. An image shared with Derbyshire Live vividly depicted a horse loose on the busy carriageway, bringing traffic to a halt on both sides of the A52. It's a stark reminder that sometimes, the most unpredictable elements can cause the biggest delays.
Initially, the westbound carriageway was reopened, but the eastbound remained shut while emergency services dealt with the situation. National Highways East Midlands confirmed that traffic was being held in both directions between the A5111 and the M1 near Borrowash due to these equine visitors. They assured the public that they would provide updates and advised drivers to expect delays.
Thankfully, the situation was resolved, and the road reopened before 2 PM. By 1:49 PM, traffic began to ease, with the eastbound carriageway now back open. While some residual congestion was expected, it was predicted to clear quickly. Even as late as 1:23 PM, significant congestion was still being reported, with queues building around Risley and the slip road to J25 of the M1.
So, what do you think? Is it more frustrating to be stuck behind a car crash or a herd of runaway animals? Does this incident highlight a need for better animal containment measures on our roads, or is it just one of those bizarre, unavoidable events? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
