A PRISONER was seriously injured when a van crashed on a major road today, leaving four people trapped and causing severe gridlock.
The van was transporting the lag when it collided with a lorry on the A27 near Lewes Prison in East Sussex just before 10.55 this morning.
A 29-year-old man, believed to be the prisoner, suffered a serious head injury in the crash and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Two escort officers travelling in the van and the lorry driver also suffered serious injuries and were treated in hospital.
Four people, including the prisoner, were left trapped after the van flipped on its side, and three have been rescued.
Dramatic photos show cops and firefighters attempting to cut free the fourth person stuck inside the van.
An air ambulance landed in East Brighton, near the scene of the crash, and was understood to be involved in the emergency response effort.
A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Rescue and recovery work continues at the location."
The A27 has been closed in both directions between roundabouts in Southerham and Ashcombe.
Traffic is extremely blocked up, with delays expected to last until late this afternoon.
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Drivers have been told to avoid the area.
A motorist stuck in the queue after the crash said: "I'm only about 20 or so cars from the accident so it'll take hours to get those behind us turned around."
The van was operated by Ministry of Justice contractor GeoAmey.
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