MAN IN HIS 30S SUSTAINS SERIOUS INJURIES IN WHITELY BANK CRASH

The driver of a Ford Fiesta has been hospitalised with serious injuries after careering off the road between Shanklin and Whiteley Bank early this morning (Saturday). Emergency services were called to Shanklin Road shortly before 07:50 when it was reported that a vehicle had left the carriageway and had come to a stop some distance into a field. Island Echo understands the vehicle was travelling towards Whitely Bank when the single vehicle crash occurred, with the silver hatchback veering across the road, through a hedge and into a farmer’s field. The cause is unknown at this time. Police initially responded at around 08:20, followed by firefighters from Shanklin and paramedics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service. The road was subsequently closed for almost 3 hours to enable a safe working environment for first responders, and as the seriousness of the situation was investigated. The driver – a male in his 30s – was rushed to St Mary’s Hospital where his injuries have since been deemed serious but not life-threatening. Shanklin Road is now open in both directions as normal, but the vehicle remains in the field.