Four trapped as van smashes into tree in 'serious' crash

The driver and front seat passenger had to be cut free from the Ford Escort after the smash in Clee Road.

Two further back seat female passengers were injured during the crash just after 1.30pm this afternoon.

The road was closed for several hours while collision experts from West Midlands Police assessed the site.

Three of the casualties were taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and one to Russells Hall in Dudley.

Fire crews from Brierley Hill and Haden Cross, four ambulances, two paramedic officers and a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle were sent to the scene.

The Midland Air Ambulance was scrambled but not needed. No other vehicles were involved.

Andy Froggatt, crew commander at Brierley Hill Fire Station, said: "When we arrived we saw a van had suffered a severe impact after hitting a tree.

"We had to carry out a rapid excavation of the passenger due to his injuries, while the driver was freed using automatic cutting gear. We removed the driver's door and had to be speedy because of their conditions. There were two passengers in the back as well who also needed treatment."

Jamie Arrowsmith, spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance spokesman, the front seat passenger was treated for a number of serious injuries at the scene after being freed.

He said: "The man, believed to be in his 30s, was immobilised and given pain relief before being taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

"The driver was cut out of the vehicle by the fire service and treated for multiple injuries. He was also immobilised and given pain relief before being taken to the same hospital.

"In the rear of the van, a woman believed to be in her 30s, was assisted out by the fire service, treated for arm and leg injuries and again taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital."

A second woman, also in her 30s, had already been assisted out of the vehicle by bystanders. She was treated for chest and rib injuries and taken to Russells Hall Hospital.