Chaos as lorry topples over

A lorry overturned at Junction 1 of the M5 this afternoon, resulting in chaos for drivers.

Traffic backed up in all directions after an HGV fell on to its side at traffic lights on the island in West Bromwich.

Reader Nathan Hassall, who works at the benefits investigation team at Sandwell Council, caught the drama on camera from his office block at 12.15pm.

He said: "We are based in the Interserve building close to the junction and heard a loud bang at about 12.15pm.

"The lorry had gone right over, although we have no idea what caused it. It took a lamp post down when it went. There is a pathway between the lanes and if anyone had been there it could have crushed them.

"There are police and fire crews all over the place, trying to clear the scene, but the traffic is already starting to build up in all directions."

Claire Thomas of West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We sent an ambulance and rapid response vehicle to the scene, where we were told a lorry containing plastic bottles had overturned." No-one was hurt, she added.