Driver knocked over flyover after getting out of car to help at accident scene (From The Northern Echo)

Spate of accidents across North-East and North Yorkshire as freezing temperatures and rain cause havoc

10:04am Thursday 9th February 2012 in Tyne and Wear News By Bruce Unwin, Chief Reporter (Durham)

A MOTORIST suffered serious injuries after being thrown over a barrier on a flyover in one of several accidents in icy conditions during the morning rush-hour today.

The driver got out of his car after it was involved in a multiple collision on the Blaydon Flyover, on the A695, west of Gateshead, shortly before 6.45am.

But as he did so he was struck by a passing car, knocking him over the flyover barrier, falling onto the surface beneath.

Northumbria Police said it was a drop of, "some distance".

He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken by ambulance to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary suffering what were described as "possibly life-threatening" injuries.

Chainbridge Road was closed in both directions from Chainbridge Roundabout to Blaydon Bridge as police cleared the debris.

In County Durham, police closed the snow gates on the A66 at Bowes, near Barnard Castle, to allow gritters onto the trans-Pennine route after a number of lorries jack-knifed going over Stainmore.

Shortly after 12.30pm, police said the westbound A66 had re-opened while the eastbound carriageway re-opened at 12.45pm following safety checks.

A spokeswoman for Durham Police said they had received reports of a number of minor accidents including: Esh Winning; the A690 at Rainton Gate; High Etherley, near Bishop Auckland; Broompark at Duram; Conniscliffe Road, Darlington and Consett, where a mother and child suffered minor injuries.

Over the border in Cumbria, there were over 60 reported accidents due to the treacherous weather conditions.

In Tyne and Wear, several drivers received minor injuries and others suffered shock in a six-vehicle collision on the A6115 Felling Bypass in eastern Gateshead, shortly after 8.20am.

It took place on the westbound carriageway, near to Heworth Roundabout, and involved five cars and a double decker bus.

The fire service and paramedics were quickly at the scene, assisting casualties.

As a result of the accident the westbound carriageway on the bypass was closed, with diversions in place at Grange Road, taking traffic onto the Old Sunderland Road, while the northbound carriageway was closed from the Leam Lane Golf Course.

As with the Blaydon accident, road conditions in the area were said to be "extremely hazardous" and motorists were advised to find an alternative route.

A further multiple vehicle accident took place on the A194 dual carriageway at its junction with the A1 southbound, south of Gateshead.

It was reported to police at 8.25am.

Emergency services assisted several motorists and passengers who were trapped in their vehicles, although there were no reports of serious injuries.

The A194, on the stretch from the White Mare Pool Roundabout in South Tyneside, was closed and motorists were again advised to find an alternative route.

Police said it was expected that the road would remain closed, "for some time".

In a further accident a Ford Transit van left the B6318 Military Road in Northumberland, crashing into a tree.

Two of the three people in the van were taken to hospital suffering injuries, one "serious".

As a result of the accident the road was closed in either direction between the villages of Greenhead and Walwick.

Police said freezing rain on top of frosty roads led to extremely slippery conditions on many roads, with the formation of widespread black ice.

All road users were advised to take extra care, moderate speed and avoid sharp braking, while trying to remain on major routes, if possible.

Chief Inspector Sarah Pitt, of the Northumbria force’s operations command centre, said: "Rain fell, but was freezing as soon as it hit the road surface.

"It was leading to very icy conditions and we advised motorists to drive slowly and to be mindful of the conditions, even on gritted roads.

"All areas are potentially hazardous in these conditions.

"Drivers should moderate their speed, keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, as stopping distances are longer on wet and icy roads, even where they have been gritted."

All vehicle owners are advised to keep screen wash topped up, preferably winter varieties to avoid freezing, and to take ice scrapers with them on all winter journeys.