Trapped driver released after two-car crash

FIREFIGHTERS released a driver trapped in a car after a collision on the A1.

Two cars were involved in the crash on the northbound carriageway between Junction 63 and 64 close to Washington Services, and three people were taken to hospital.

One vehicle struck standing water and aquaplaned, crossing the central reservation before colliding head-on with a white Fiat 500 travelling in the opposite direction.

Both drivers suffered broken arms and were taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead, Durham Constabulary said.

Fire crews from Washington, Birtley and County Durham helped the North East Ambulance Service and police to release the driver trapped in their vehicle on Sunday evening.

A spokesperson for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were alerted by the ambulance service to a two-vehicle collision on the northbound A1 near to Birtley/Chester-Le-Street at 7.34pm on Sunday, July 23.

“Two appliances attended and together with colleagues from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, firefighters safely rescued one person from one of the cars involved.

“They were then cared for by the paramedics at the scene.”

A spokesperson for the North East Ambulance Service said: “We received reports of a two-car collision and we sent five vehicles to the scene.

“Three of those took three patients to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.”