Update 3 - Regional Road traffic starts to flow after closure caused by spill

Last updated 9.15am Traffic has started to flow on the southbound lanes of the Regional Road in Kappara after they were closed this morning because of a spill of slippery liquid. The closure caused traffic chaos as rush hour traffic was diverted towards St Julian's and Sliema, causing gridlock. Many schoolchildren arrived late for school as school buses were trapped and a traffic jam stretched along the Coast Road. Traffic was jammed in Bahar ic-Caghaq, Kappara, Swieqi, Madliena and Tal Balal. Five minor collisions were caused before the road was closed. The slippery conditions were reported at about 5.30am and Civil Protection units were deployed to render the road safe. Lanes started to be reopened at 8.45am however many drivers reported they were still stuck in traffic half an hour later. The source of the slick is not known.