A DOG walker fell to his death – along with one of his pets – from a motorway bridge.
Investigations are under way into why the man, from Knottingley, plunged from a bridge over the A1 near Pontefract on Tuesday night.
His two dogs also fell on to the southbound carriageway from a flyover where the motorway meets the A639 Doncaster Road at junction 39.
One, a Jack Russell, died. The other survived and was yesterday being treated for injuries at a nearby veterinary practice.
West Yorkshire Police are appealing for information about the incident. A spokesman said: “A man, believed to be in his late 50s and from Knottingley, fell from one of the A639 overhead bridges and landed in the carriageway.
“Emergency services attended, but sadly the man was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering head injuries.
“Two dogs also fell with the man, one of which died as a result of its injuries, while the other was taken into the care of a local vets where it is recovering.”
The incident caused major traffic congestion for several hours.
Maitland Hyslop, 58, who was on his way to London from Hexham when he became caught up in the incident, told the YEP that around 20 police vehicles, a police helicopter and two ambulance vehicles were at the scene.
He said police encouraged drivers to turn round on the closed southbound carriageway and exit the A1 in reverse.
The police spokesman said: “A section of carriageway was closed for several hours while necessary accident investigation work was carried out at the scene, causing some delays.
“Diversions were put in place, however, and every effort was made to keep disruption to a minimum.”
Anyone with information should call the major collisions inquiry team on 01924 293047.
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