A MAN was taken to hospital in Leeds with serious injuries after being trapped in the wreckage of a tanker following a 4-vehicle crash near York today.

The collision happened at just before noon on the A19 to the north of York, between Shipton by Beningbrough and Skelton.

The road was blocked in both directions but the southbound carriageway reopened early this afternoon while the northbound side remained closed until finally reopening in the late afternoon.

The Yorkshire Ambulance Service said an air ambulance helicopter and two road ambulances were sent to the scene, and a man who was trapped in a vehicle was released and then taken to Leeds General Infirmary by road ambulance.

Three other people were checked over at the scene but did not not need to go to hospital, said a spokesperson.

North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service said crews from Acomb, Huntington and Tadcaster responded to a report of a 4-vehicle collision resulting in the driver of a tanker being trapped.

"Crews extricated the male who suffered multiple injuries and was taken to hospital via road ambulance," said a spokesperson.

"All other occupants of vehicles were walking wounded with minor injuries. Crews made the vehicles safe and left the incident in the hands of police and highways to await recovery of the vehicles."

North Yorkshire Police said the crash involved a white Isuzu water tanker, a white Ford Transit van, a black Mitsubishi L200 and a flat-bed Ford Transit tipper truck.

A spokesperson said the tanker driver's injuries were believed to be serious but not life threatening.

"Witnesses to the collision or motorists with dash-cam footage are urged to make a report via the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling 101," they said.

"Please quote reference number 12230006081 when providing details."

This Google Map showed severe congestion on the A19, caused by the crash.

York Press:

 

 

The AA said the crash was first reported at 11.47am.