EMERGENCY services were forced to rescue two women from a serious collision at a Durham petrol station yesterday (January 11) after two vehicles collided on the forecourt near to Langley Park.

Fire crews, police officers and ambulances were dispatched to the scene of Red Tiles Petrol Station on the A691 yesterday afternoon at around 2pm – following reports of a two-car crash.

After arriving on scene, firefighters rescued two women casualties from separate vehicles using specialist equipment. From there, the two motorists were checked over by paramedics and taken to University Hospital of North Durham.

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The forecourt of the petrol station was partly closed for some time, so emergency crews could make the scene safe and clear the area.

A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: “Yesterday afternoon, three fire crews from Durham and Consett and a specialist rescue crew from Bishop Auckland attended a two-vehicle collision at the Red Tiles Petrol Station on A691.

“Two female casualties were rescued from separate vehicles using specialist cutting equipment and taken to hospital by the North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

The Northern Echo: Part of the petrol forecourt was closed while emergency crews made the scene safe. Picture: CDDFRS.Part of the petrol forecourt was closed while emergency crews made the scene safe. Picture: CDDFRS.

“The vehicles were then made safe, and the area cleaned, with crews leaving the scene just before 4pm.”

In the aftermath of the collision, two first aiders were praised for their efforts in helping the emergency services after using their expertise to care for both casualties.

The spokesperson for the fire service added: “The service would like to thank two male bus passengers who got off the bus to help with the casualties, both were first aiders with St. John’s Ambulance and using their training assisted with the care of the casualties until they were taken to hospital. Thank you to you both!”

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