THE A396 road from Bickleigh to Tiverton was closed for several hours during the evening of Tuesday, April 18 due to a two-vehicle road traffic collision.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS) was alerted to the incident by police at 4.12pm and two fire crews, from Tiverton and Cullompton, attended.

The collision involved two cars and occurred near the Ashley Recycling Centre.

The Fire Service was informed that the driver of one of the vehicles was reported to be trapped.

Once on scene the fire crews stabilised the vehicles and awaited the arrival of ambulance paramedics to enable them to safely assess the casualty and prepare for the most effective extrication.

Police provided traffic management to allow crews to work safely.

At 5.18pm DSFRS said that the incident was brought under control with confirmation that the casualty had been released, using hydraulic rescue equipment and small tools, before being airlifted to hospital.

The vehicles and scene were then made safe by the firefighters before duty of care was left with the Police.

One further casualty, suffering from minor injuries, was treated on scene.