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One injured in tanker collision 'Several injured' in tanker crash
(about 1 hour later)
At least one person has been seriously hurt after a series of collisions on a stretch of road in County Durham. A number of people were seriously hurt after a series of collisions in fog on a stretch of road in County Durham, the fire service has said.
Police said two petrol tankers, two lorries and a car were involved in a crash on the A19 between Peterlee and Wellfield at 2215 BST on Friday. Police said two fuel tankers, two lorries and a car were involved in a crash on the A19 between Peterlee and Wellfield at 2215 BST on Friday.
A further crash involving 18 vehicles happened on the opposite carriageway.A further crash involving 18 vehicles happened on the opposite carriageway.
There was then a third crash on a slip road involving three cars, including a police car. Police say fog may have been a factor. There was a third crash on a slip road involving three cars, including a police car which was directing traffic.
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). A police spokesman said: "Thick fog on the east coast is thought to have been a contributory factor in what happened and police are urging drivers to avoid the area."
"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." 'Absolute devastation'
The fire service said they were working to free three people who were trapped, two in cars and one in a lorry. David Turnbull, the fire officer in charge, said emergency crews helped rescue five people who were trapped in vehicles.
It is believed the tankers are leaking fuel. He said crews stationed close to the scene heard a series of loud bangs.
"When they responded they found absolute devastation on the fly-over adjacent to the fire station - 20 to 30 cars, a large number of HGVs, two petrol tankers and a large number of people trapped," he said.
Mr Turnbull said one person, who was trapped in car close to the fuel tankers, was one of a number of people who were seriously injured.
No-one is believed to have been injured in the other two collisions.No-one is believed to have been injured in the other two collisions.
Police said the A19 would remain closed for several hours. Work to recover vehicles from the scene is ongoing and the A19 is expected to remain closed for several hours.