ian clarkeTwo separate crashes on the A47 today have caused traffic chaos with motorists slowly trying to make their way past the accidents which happened in almost identical spots either side of the carriageway.ian clarke

Two separate crashes on identical spots either side of the carriageway on the A47 today caused traffic chaos.

The first incident, involving two vehicles, happened at about 8.25am on the west bound carriageway just before the junction with the A140.

Then between 8.30am and 8.40am two other vehicles were involved in a crash on the opposite side of the carriageway heading east.

There is no indication yet as to the nature of any injuries.

Meanwhile, police also attended a crash at the junction of Beccles Road and New Road at Belton, which was described by police as 'serious'.

It involved a car and a motorbike and happened on the slip road from the A143 just after 8am.

Today's crashes on the A47 come just 24 hours after a crash yesterday involving a van and a crane on the A47 after which a teenager was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.

Two men were taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital after the 7am accident which caused rush hour chaos for motorists heading to Norwich and Yarmouth with tailbacks stretching to the Thickthorn roundabout and to the Postwick junction.

One of the men suffered a chest injury, but was later discharged, while the second remained in hospital with a head and back injury following the crash at the top of the A146 slip road at Trowse, near Norwich.

He was said to be in a serious but stable condition.

An 18-year-old man from the Cambridge area was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and released on police bail.

Police closed the eastbound stretch of the road and the A146 slip road, while the outer westbound lane was also closed for a time after the van went into the central reservation.

Motorists faced lengthy delays after diversions were put in place with traffic also forced to come through the city to get to the old Yarmouth Road.

Ambulance and fire crews were all on scene to help free the injured, and the road was re-opened at 10.30am.

Accident investigators are also probing the cause of the crash and officers are keen to speak to anyone who saw what happened or witnessed the driving of either vehicle.