A MAN is in a critical condition after a major crash on one of the region's busiest roads today.

Three cars, a van and a lorry were involved in the incident on the A19.

In a statement around 3pm, Cleveland Police said the accident happened on the northbound carriageway at around 6.50am between Leven viaduct and the A174 and involved a Vauxhall Insignia, a Ford Focus, a Ford transit van, a Renault truck and a Toyota Corolla.

"The 54-year-old female driver of a black Vauxhall Insignia was taken to James Cook University Hospital. She is currently in a stable condition," an officer said.

"A male passenger travelling in the same vehicle suffered a broken arm and multiple internal injuries and was airlifted to James Cook University Hospital. He is currently in a critical condition.

"A 21-year-old male driver from the Toyota Corolla was taken to James Cook University Hospital with a broken back.

"The male drivers of the Ford Focus and the Renault Truck were checked over at the scene by paramedics and the male driver and passenger from the Ford Transit were taken to hospital with leg injuries."

The Great North Air Ambulance (GNAAS) also attended.

A spokesman said: "We were called at 7.38am and asked by the North East Ambulance Service to attend an incident in the Maltby area of the A19.

"We flew a doctor and paramedic to the scene from Durham Tees Valley Airport, and once on the scene, they assessed and treated patients.

"One male was flown to James Cook with serious injuries.

"Other patients were taken to hospital by road by the North East Ambulance Service."

The road was closed in both directions and heavy traffic built up along the diversion route.

It reopened mid-afternoon.

"Officers closed the road whilst investigations took place into the incident. Both carriageways were fully reopened at around 2pm," the spokesman said.

"Police would like to thank motorists for their patience whilst the incident was dealt with.

As the accident was being dealt with passers-by were slowing to look at the scene.

An officer said: "Officers at the scene of a serious collision on the A19 near Crathorne are concerned that a further collision will occur on the southbound carriageway due to drivers slowing down to look at the crash site.

"Police are asking motorists to keep moving at a safe speed and to concentrate on the road ahead of them."

  • Anyone who may have seen the collision, including those people who have already spoken to police, or anyone who may have sighted the black Vauxhall Insignia prior to the incident is asked to contact PC Ivan Hughes from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, quoting event number 185526.