THERE is complete gridlock in and around Chepstow this afternoon (Wednesday, October 17) after a five-vehicle collision brought the town to a halt.

The accident happened on the A48 at Hardwick Hill, Chepstow, at around 1.35pm, and police were not expecting to reopen the road until 6pm.

A Gwent Police spokesman said: “At approximately 1.35pm, a silver Ford Transit van, green Jaguar X-type, silver Vauxhall Meriva, yellow Mercedes Sprinter van and silver Volkswagen Touran collided.

“Paramedics attended but injuries sustained were not believed to be serious.

“The road is likely to remain closed until at least 6pm. Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.

A witness posted that the collision was below the Bulwark Corner junction.

They said a car “had gone into the side of one on the way downwards” and it appeared that someone had “taken the corner too fast and gone straight on again”.Another witness said they saw an elderly couple being treated at the scene, which was attended by four fire engines, three ambulances and six police cars.