Accident closes major trunk road

Police hope to reopen the southbound carriageway later on Wednesday

Two lorry drivers have been taken to hospital after an accident early on Wednesday on the main road from the English Midlands into south Wales.

The accident between two articulated lorries happened around 0400 GMT on the southbound carriageway of the A449, one mile south of Usk in Monmouthshire.

The road has been closed from Usk to the Coldra roundabout on the M4.

Gwent Police say diversions are in place but are warning of long delays for drivers.

The two injured lorry drivers - from Leicester and Skegness in Lincolnshire - have been taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport. They are both in a stable condition.

One lane of the southbound carriageway was reopened later on Wednesday.

Diversions are in place for drivers via the A40 to Abergavenny and then the A4042.

Gwent Police say there is a lot of traffic congestion in the area and motorists are advised to avoid it if they can.

Officers are appealing for witnesses to contact them on 01633 643091.