Three killed after a car collided with a lorry on the A47 - road remains closed while police investigate

The A47 has been closed in both directions after a crash at East Winch (Image: Archant)

Three people have been confirmed to have died after a car collided with a lorry on the A47 today.

Police are still investigating the cause of the head-on crash, which happened on a single carriageway stretch of the road between the Carpenter’s Arms and East Winch Church.

The dead have not been named, but are understood to be a middle-aged couple and a man in his 30s, who are not from Norfolk.

The East Anglian Air Ambulance said: “Despite the best efforts of all those at the scene, unfortunately nothing could be done to help these patients. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this sad and difficult time.”

The driver of the articulated lorry, which was believed to be travelling on the east-bound carriageway, received what were described as minor injuries.

The A47 is not expected to re-open until at least 6pm. Drivers face long diversions via Downham Market and A134 and A1101, or the A149 and B1145 Gayton roads.

Specialist crash investigators have been called in to examine the crash scene. While visibility was good, the weather was cold and overcast and the road had seen a light amount of rain.

Officers will examine the vehicles involved, to check for defects which might have contributed to the collision, such as defective brakes or worn tyres.