1 person has been flown to the Major Trauma Centre at Southampton with potentially life-threatening injuries following a serious road traffic collision on The Downs. Emergency services were called to the 2-vehicle crash, between the junctions of Brading Down Road and Knighton Shute, at 11:20 this morning (Saturday), as first reported by Island Echo. A Land Rover Defender, which was towing a trailer, has come to rest on its side across the carriageway. It’s understood the trailer has come into contact with the front of a car travelling in the opposite direction, which has then subsequently shunted the vehicle backwards and off the road. The driver of the car has now been airlifted to Southampton General Hospital by the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance, whilst the driver of the Land Rover has been taken to St Mary’s Hospital by road with minor injuries. 
Due to the severity of the situation, the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service mobilised 2 ambulance crews, a critical care paramedic, an operational commander and a critical care doctor – and requested the assistance of the air ambulance. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service mobilised appliances from Ryde and Newport, as well as the Rescue Support Vehicle from Newport. 
Police have called in the Collision Investigation Unit from the mainland to conduct a thorough forensic examination of the crash scene to help piece together the events of this morning. Hard road closures are now in place between the Hare & Hounds Pub at Downend and the junction of Brading Down Road/Ashey Road. The road is expected to remain closed for the rest of the day while investigations take place. A spokesperson for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has said:
“We were called at 11.20am to reports of a serious collision on The Downs Road. “Officers are on scene dealing with the incident. A number of road closures are in place in the area”.
UPDATE SUNDAY – The Downs has now reopened in both directions to all traffic following a 15-hour closure. It has been confirmed that a 77-year-old woman from Newport died at the scene of yesterday’s crash, with a 40-year-old man from Newport airlifted to hospital. Read more at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/taxi-passenger-killed-and-driver-seriously-injured-in-downs-trailer-crash/.
