A MAN in his 20s was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries after his car rolled over in a two-vehicle smash at Burtree Gate, near the A1 at Darlington.
He suffered a fractured skull, as well as injuries to his lungs and pelvis and was placed in an induced coma before being airlifted to James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.
Police have released a new image showing the extent of the damage to his car.
The collision between a Volkswagen Bora and a Vauxhall Astra happened at about 12.25pm on Tuesday.
Police closed the road in both directions from the Swanhouse roundabout to Junction 58 at Burtree while the Great North Air Ambulance landed.
The VW driver was assessed by the air ambulance doctor and paramedic team before being placed in the induced coma.
The flight to hospital took 14 minutes and his condition on arrival was described as critical.
The man is currently in a stable condition and is undergoing further tests in hospital.
The male driver and female passenger of the Astra were uninjured.
Durham Constabulary would like to speak with anybody who witnessed the incident or saw the vehicles prior to the crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 212 of July 18.
SCENE: The Great North Air Ambulance landed close to the accident scene at Burtree Gate. Picture: GNAAS
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