TWO people were left seriously injured after an accident between a chemical tanker and a car.

It happened outside the Fox Hall Inn, near Ravensworth at 12.30pm and involved the eastbound lorry and a green Skoda Yeti.

Following the impact, the Skoda hit an electricity pole, bringing power cables down across the road.

The lorry had been carrying corrosive chemicals but was nominally empty.

The two people in the car, a 59-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman from the Worksop area, were taken to James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, with serious life changing injuries.

The tanker driver, from Hartlepool, was unhurt but shaken.

A third vehicle was damaged by debris.

As a result, the A66 was completely closed to allow the police to carry out a full investigation and to allow the power lines to be reinstalled.

Traffic was being diverted through Barnard Castle during the closure, causing heavy congestion and disruption in the town.

Highways England said tonight that the A66 has now re-opened. 

Fire crews from Colburn, Leyburn and Tadcaster responded and used hydraulic cutting equipment to free one person trapped in the Skoda.

The air ambulance was also called and another casualty was led to safety by ambulance crews.

Anyone travelling along the A66 who witnessed the collision or who can help with the investigation is asked to contact TC Martin Usher of North Yorkshire Police on 101 or email Martin.Usher@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

Please quote reference 12170086165.