Mother and son killed in horror crash

A mother and her teenage son have died after their car crashed into a tractor near the south Shropshire border.

The woman's two other sons – who were sitting in the back of the car – were airlifted to Birmingham Children's Hospital with serious injuries following the crash close to Lucton School in Lucton, near Leominster. Both remained in hospital today.

One boy suffered multiple injuries and was described as being in a critical but stable condition. The other suffered a leg injury and is in a stable condition.

The crash happened at about 10.10am yesterday on the B4362 when the family's red Vauxhall Corsa car was involved in a collision with the tractor. All four occupants, who are believed to be from the Presteigne area of Powys, were trapped in the car after the smash.

The teenage boy was pronounced dead at the scene while the woman was trapped in the car for two hours before being airlifted to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where she later died of her injuries.

The road was closed for several hours while police, ambulance and fire crews worked at the scene to treat the casualties and free them from the wreckage. The tractor driver did not suffer any injuries. Police have launched an investigation.

Inspector Damian Sowrey today said: "We believe the red Corsa was travelling towards Yarpole and the green John Deere tractor in the opposite direction towards Mortimer's Cross.

"We are appealing to anyone with information concerning this tragedy to contact Hereford police station by calling the 101 non-emergency number."

Claire Thomas, spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: "Sadly nothing could be done to save the front seat passenger, a boy, and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

"Nothing could be done to save the woman."

Herefordshire coroner Mr Mark Bricknell is expected to open inquests on Friday.

Information to Hereford police on 101.