UPDATED: SERIOUS CRASH IN WHICH VEHICLE HAS OVERTURNED CLOSES DOWNS ROAD

A serious, life-threatening crash which has seen 1 vehicle overturn and another become wedged underneath a trailer has led to the closure of The Downs in both directions this morning (Saturday). Police, firefighters and paramedics are all on scene between the junctions of Brading Down Road and Knighton Shute. Island Echo understands that a 4×4-type vehicle towing a trailer has come to rest on its side, with the trailer colliding with a car travelling in the opposite direction. The car has also partially left the road, whilst the 4×4 has come to rest across the carriageway. The incident happened at around 11:25. 2 fire appliances and a Rescue Support Vehicle – from Newport and Ryde – are in attendance alongside multiple resources from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service. Motorists are urged to avoid the area with local diversions in place. UPDATE @ 12:15 – The Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance has responded to the incident, indicating the severity of the injuries sustained. It has touched down in a field adjacent to the crash. A local critical care paramedic and critical care doctor are also on scene, alongside 2 paramedic crews. UPDATE @ 14:45 – The driver of the 4×4 has now been taken to St Mary’s Hospital by land with minor injuries. Meanwhile, another person has been airlifted to Southampton General Hospital with serious injuries. Read more at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/badly-injured-driver-airlifted-to-hospital-after-trailer-smash-on-the-downs/. The Downs is expected to remain closed for several hours with the specialist Collision Investigation Unit from the mainland called in. UPDATE SUNDAY – 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/.