TWO waste water tankers caused chaos on the A286 this morning, after a collision at 4.30am (February 12).
The crash on the A286 between Lavant and West Dean closed the road this morning, and Southern Water said a badger was to blame.
A spokesman said: “We are using tankers in and around Singleton to take high groundwater flows from the sewers away for treatment, reducing the risk of flooding.
“Two of these tankers collided this morning while driving in convoy.
“The accident happened after a badger ran out in front of the first tanker and the driver used his brakes to avoid hitting it.
“Regrettably the second tanker then hit into the back of the first, causing some damage to the two vehicles and releasing heavily dilute wastewater onto the road.
“The two drivers, and the badger, escaped unharmed and a clean-up operation began straight away.
“A third tanker arrived at the scene within 30 minutes to clear the spilled water and a crew were dispatched to clean and disinfect the area.”
The road was closed in both directions in rush hour, and Sussex Police were at the scene with the Environment Agency and Southern Water, checking for pollution problems.
An Environment Agency spokesman said: “We have been assisting Southern Water at the scene of a tanker collision that took place between Lavant and West Dean today and we are advising the water company on the clean up.
“Our officers have carried out surveys of the area and fortunately there has been minimal environmental impact on the surrounding area and the River Lavant as a result of this incident.
“Members of the public are encouraged to report pollution incidents to our 24 hour hotline on 0800 807060.”
A Sussex Police spokesman said a recovery unit arrived at 10am this morning to aid the police in moving the tankers.
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