A MAN has died following a crash between a car and a coach in North Yorkshire.

The accident happened at 5.30pm on Monday on the A19, at the Easingwold bypass.

Police said it involved a blue Seat Leon travelling south, and a National Express coach travelling north.

The Seat driver, a 50-year-old man from York, was pronounced dead at the scene. The coach was carrying about 40 elderly people, none of whom suffered serious injuries. The coach driver, a 59-year-old woman from Chester-le-Street, suffered bruising to her wrist.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “A number of passengers were walking wounded with minor injuries and were treated by paramedics.

An 81-year-old woman from Loftus, Cleveland, was taken to York Hospital for treatment to minor injuries, and has now been discharged.

A 77-year-old man from the West Midlands, sustained a cut to his left shin and a 47-year-old man, from Swansea, received a cut to the bridge of his nose. Neither required hospital treatment.

The coach passengers were transferred on to another coach to continue their journey, and the road was closed until 1am on Tuesday while police investigated.

Traffic Constable Neil Cholmondeley, of Thirsk Road Policing Group, said: “I would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision itself, or anyone who saw either vehicle prior to the incident.

“It is vital to our investigations into the collision that anyone who has any information comes forward.”

Anyone who can help is asked to phone TC Neil Cholmondeley, of Thirsk Road Policing Group, on 0845 6060247, quoting reference 12110062916.