A MOTORIST who suffered a fractured kneecap and a broken foot as result of a two vehicle crash has successfully undergone surgery on his injuries.

The 46-year-old Bishop Auckland man was injured following a car accident on the B6072 West Auckland Road, near Shildon, at about 12.50pm on Sunday (November 9).

The man, who was driving a blue VW Passat, broke his left knee cap and right foot, after which he was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital where he was operated on today. (Tuesday, November 11)

Initial reports said his passenger, a 28-year-old man from Bishop Auckland, was unhurt, but it has now emerged that he suffered whiplash, severe bruising and a burn from the airbag. He was later treated at Bishop Auckland Hospital.

The head-on crash also involved a silver Passat.

The driver of this car, a 21-year-old man from Shildon, was unhurt. He was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and bailed while investigations continue.

A 22-year-old male passenger, from Shildon, is in a critical condition after being placed in an induced coma in the James Cook University Hospital, on Teesside.

His front seat female passenger, a 19-year-old from Bishop Auckland, suffered a minor leg injury.

Witnesses to the crash are asked to call Durham Police’s road policing unit on 101.

APOLOGY

A story in The Northern Echo yesterday (Tuesday, November 11) incorrectly stated that the 46-year-old driver of the blue Passat had been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. In fact, it was the driver of the silver Passat who was arrested. The story was based on information supplied in good faith by the police. We apologise for the error and any confusion caused.