KNIGHTON SHUTE near Newchurch was closed for nearly eight hours yesterday evening (Tuesday, August 31) whilst fire fighters from Newport, Sandown and Ryde battled to free a trapped driver and his passenger from a pale blue Peugeot 306, which had been in a collision with a red Ford Fiesta.

Three ambulances and three fire appliances, assisted by the rescue tender from Newport, attended the crash scene.

The roof of the Peugeot had to be cut off by fire crews using the ‘jaws of life’ in order to free the elderly couple, who were transferred to hospital on spinal boards by land ambulance.

The elderly couple from Bembridge and a 12-year-old child from the Fiesta were treated by the Isle of Wight ambulance service at the scene before being taken to St Mary’s hospital in Newport.

The 12-year-old girl, whose mum is believed to be a teacher, escaped without injury. The mother was driving home after shopping at Tescos when the accident occurred.

Fire-fighters battled for over an hour to free the trapped elderly driver who had injuries to his legs and neck, and is thought to be suffering from spinal injuries.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight air ambulance was called in by the Duty Ambulance Officer, who also attended the crash scene. The on board doctor and a paramedic assisted with treating the driver, whilst fire crews fought to free the man. No one was taken to hospital by air ambulance.

Sgt Paul Bailey from Shanklin RPU said: “The road is likely to remain closed for at least a couple of hours. We would like to appeal for witnesses who may have seen the Peugeot or the Fiesta prior to the collision.”

Drivers with any information are asked to contact Sgt Paul Bailey at Shanklin RPU on 101 quoting operation “Seamstress”. Sgt Bailey went on to say that Specialist officers from the Collision Investigation Unit based at Netley had been called in from the mainland to establish how the accident happened, and that the cordon was likely to last several hours. He advised motorists to seek alternative routes.