POLICE say a man from the Sidmouth area has been arrested after a car was believed to have been travelling the wrong way down the A38 before a crash overnight.

Emergency services and the police were called shortly before 12.30am this morning (Friday) to with reports of a major road traffic collision involving five vehicles on the A38 near the Buckfastleigh turning.

Police, ambulance and fire all attended as a full road closure was put in place.

A police spokesperson said: ‘The collision involved a Mercedes saloon; a Mini countryman; a Ford Transit Van; a Land Rover Freelander; and a Nissan Qashqai.

‘Following the collision, one person was trapped within the Land Rover and fire attended to undertake an extraction from the vehicle; his injuries were minor.

‘All others involved in the collision thankfully sustained only minor injuries and were treated at the scene. 

‘Highways attended to aid with removal of vehicles and clear-up and the road was fully reopened at around 7.15am.

‘It is believed that the collision was caused due to a vehicle travelling on the wrong side of the carriageway.

‘A 54-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol and dangerous driving. 

‘He was taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital as a precaution following the collision and will be questions by officers in due course.’

Fire crews from Ashburton, Buckfastleigh and Totnes took part in the emergency operation

A Fire Control spokesperson said: ‘Crews confirmed one person trapped, and got to work extricating the casualty using hydraulic rescue equipment and small tools.

‘Seven casualties in total were cared for by paramedics.

‘Crews assisted with scene safety and duty of care of casualties was left with the ambulance service. Police and Highways also attended.’