AN elderly woman is fighting for her life after a crash that killed two of her friends.
The 72-year-old woman, from Hartlepool, is in the town's general hospital in a critical condition after the accident on the A19 near Peterlee, County Durham, on Wednesday morning.
The crash killed May Waugh, 70, and Patricia Packham, 53, both from Hartlepool.
They were in two cars, a Ford Escort and Ford Granada, that were in collision with a lorry.
It is believed the tragedy happened after Mrs Waugh stopped the Ford Escort, which she was driving, to get out and investigate a suspected puncture.
Mrs Packham, got out of the Ford Granada, which was following, to help, and both were struck by the lorry.
Mrs Waugh was declared dead at the scene of the accident and Mrs Packham was confirmed dead at Sunderland Royal Hospital.
The accident happened on the northbound carriageway of the A19, near its junction with Burnhope Way, the main road to Peterlee town centre, at about 9am on Wednesday.
Police are appealing for witnesses to contact 0191-386 4929.
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