UPDATED: WET WEATHER CRASH CLOSES WHITWELL TO VENTNOR ROAD

A crash involving 2 vehicles – which has prompted the response of police, fire and ambulance crews – has led to the closure of the main road between Whitwell and Ventnor this evening (Sunday). Police have closed Whitwell Road in both directions between the junction with St Lawrence Shute and Dean Farm as Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service tend to those involved. The collision occurred at around 16:55 in tricky driving conditions, exacerbated by flood water across the carriageway. 3 fire engines from Ventnor, Shanklin and Newport are currently on scene alongside numerous ambulance resources. The road closure means the only access in and out of Ventnor is now via Upper Ventnor and Wroxall due to the ongoing closure of Leeson Road. Local closures are also in place on Gills Cliff Road and Zig Zag Road.   UPDATE @ 18:44 – 2 males are understood to have fled from a Mini One, with Police now looking for the driver and passenger. Read more at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/2-males-flee-scene-of-whitwell-road-crash/. Recovery of both vehicles involved is underway, with the road expected to reopen shortly.