Driver cut free from car as vehicle overturns

A motorist was cut out of her overturned car by fire crews following a collision with another vehicle in Wolverhampton.

An air ambulance was told to turn back from the scene in Bee Lane, Fordhouses, yesterday after paramedics deemed her injuries not to be as serious as initially feared.

The crash between her blue Fiat Panda and a red Daihatsu Grand Move just before 2.30pm closed the road briefly as firefighters worked to free the trapped driver.

An elderly couple in the other car were treated at the scene for shock and minor injuries.

Watch commander Dave Hodgkins, of Fallings Park fire station, said crews cut through the roof of the Panda, which had landed on its side, to release the driver. The 50-year-old, who suffered back and neck injuries, was taken to New Cross Hospital for a precautionary check but was not believed to be seriously injured.

West Midlands Ambulance spokeswoman Claire Thomas said: "Initial reports were that a patient was trapped in her vehicle and that her injuries were potentially serious. "An air ambulance from Cosford was immediately dispatched but was not needed.

"A woman in the other car was treated for neck injuries at the scene. She and a gentleman who was with her were described as walking wounded." Police said it was not clear whether the cars collided or whether the Panda had overturned first.