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One injured in tanker collision One injured in tanker collision
(10 minutes later)
A series of collisions involving two tankers, two lorries, a police car and another 21 vehicles in County Durham has left at least one person injured. At least one person has been seriously hurt in a series of collisions on the same stretch of road in County Durham.
Police say the vehicles were involved in three separate accidents on the A19 between Peterlee and Wellfield. Police said an initial crash involving two tankers, two lorries and a car was reported on the A19 between Peterlee and Wellfield at 2215 BST on Friday.
The initial crash was reported to police at 2215 BST. A further crash happened on the opposite carriageway. A further crash involving 18 vehicles happened on the opposite carriageway.
There was then a third crash on the Wellfield sliproad involving three cars, including a police car. There was then a third crash on a sliproad involving three cars, including a police car. Police say fog may have been a factor.
At least one person was seriously injured in a car involved in the initial crash. A statement issued by the police said: "At least one person is thought to be seriously injured in the car involved (in the initial crash).
"However it is proving difficult for paramedics and fire crews to gain access to this vehicle as it is in very close proximity to the tankers."
It is believed the tankers are leaking fuel.
No-one is believed to have been injured in the other two collisions.
Police have warned the A19 will remain closed for several hours.