A major road in County Durham has been closed after a crash involving two vehicles as the air ambulance has reportedly attended the scene.

The A690 near West Rainton has been closed after the incident earlier today (June 2) and the emergency services are on the scene.

LIVE UPDATES HERE: A690 near Durham closed following crash

The Northern Echo will be following the situation and we have put together everything we know about it so far.

What has happened and when

Durham Police have confirmed there has been a two-vehicle crash on the stretch of A690 near West Rainton.

The incident was reported at around 5.30pm, according to AA traffic alerts and social media posts from those in the area.

Where has it happened?

The crash has happened on the A690 near to the junction at Pittington Lane and West Rainton. The road is not too far from the turnoff for the A1(M) and Park & Ride.

It is a popular road between Sunderland, Houghton-le-Spring and Durham City and runs between the A1 turnoff and A19 turnoff.

Has there been any injuries?

So far, it is understood the Air Ambulance has been in attendance and so have the other emergency services including police and ambulance.

Two people have been taken to hospital. 

One person was taken by land ambulance to Sunderland Royal Hospital and one person was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle. 

It is not yet known how many people have been involved in total.

What have the emergency services said?

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called to reports of a road traffic collision on the junction of the A690 Pittington Road at 17:22 this evening. 

"We dispatched two ambulance crews, one crew from our Hazardous Area Response Team and a clinical team leader, and requested support from Great North Air Ambulance Service.

"One patient was taken by road to Sunderland Royal Hospital and a second patient was flown to the RVI."

Durham Police previously said: "Officers are currently dealing with a two vehicle RTC on the A690 near the junction at Pittington Lane and West Rainton.

"The road is likely to remain closed for some time; please find an alternative route if travelling in this area."

Read more: A690 crash in County Durham: Two people taken to hospital

When will the road reopen?

Again, so far we do not know when the road will reopen.

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