Woman critical after two car collision

A woman has been left seriously injured after a two-car crash in Shropshire.

The woman, believed to be 24 years old, suffered serious head and face injuries in the accident, which happened on the B5061 by the Overley Bend, near Wellington, at about 4pm yesterday.

She was in a critical but stable condition at Birmingham's Selly Oak Hospital today.

The collision, which left the road closed for about five hours, involved a Rover car and a Toyota Celica, West Mercia Police said.

John Hawker, West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman, said: "On arrival at the scene, crews found two cars that had been in a significant collision.

"Both vehicles had substantial front end damage.

"The passenger in one car, a woman believed to be 24, suffered serious head and facial injuries.

"She was trapped in the car and received emergency treatment at the scene by ambulance crews whilst being extricated by the fire service."

He added: "The woman was immobilised using a spinal board and neck collar and airlifted to Selly Oak Hospital Major Trauma Unit for further assessment and treatment."

Police closed the road for almost two hours while the injured were rescued and taken to hospital.

Mr Hawker said: "The driver of the car, a man believed to be in his late 20's, had suffered pelvic injuries.

"He was treated at the scene and transferred by land ambulance to Princess Royal Hospital for further assessment and treatment.

"The driver of the second car, a man believed to be in his 50's, suffered chest injuries."

He was treated at the scene before being taken to the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford for further assessment and treatment.

He remained in hospital today.

Mr Hawker said: "The hospital had been pre-alerted to the patient's arrivals and their injuries.

"Considering the damage to the vehicles in the crash, the occupants of the cars were fortunate not to have suffered more serious or even fatal injuries."

Firefighters from Wellington and Telford Central Fire Stations attended the scene of the crash.