Motorcyclist suffers 'potentially life threatening injuries' in A49 crash

The A49 has been shut in both directions and diversions are in place as the emergency services deal with the incident between the A456 (Wooferton) and the A44 (Leominster).

A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 6.26am to a road traffic collision involving a motorbike and a van in Ashton, Leominster.

"One ambulance, a BASICS emergency doctor and the Midland Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

"Upon arrival we found three patients.

"The first, a man who was the motorcyclist. He was assessed and had sustained potentially life threatening injuries.

"He received advanced trauma care at the scene and was conveyed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital by air ambulance for further treatment.

"Two men who were the driver of and a passenger in the van were assessed and had sustained injuries not believed to be serious. They were conveyed to Hereford County Hospital by land ambulance for further assessment.”

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "We were called to reports of a collision on the A49 in Ashton near Leominster this morning at around 6.30am. Ambulance crews also attended. The road is currently closed while recovery takes place.

No arrests were made at the scene."

A spokesperson for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said they sent two crews - one each from Leominster and Kingsland Fire Stations. They were called at 7.11am on 9 May to a road traffic collision in Ashton near Leominster.

"The incident involved multiple vehicles with one male casualty handed over to the care of the ambulance service who attended along with police and air ambulance. The A49 is blocked in both directions with the incident ongoing."

AA Traffic News says the incident was first reported at 5.35am due to a crash on the A49 both ways from A44 Mill Street (Ok Diner Roundabout) to B4362 Station Road (Woofferton Crossroads).

Heavy traffic is being reported.

National Highways in the West Midlands is advising drivers to follow the solid triangle diversion symbol on road signs for the southbound closure:

At the Salway Arms junction in Woofferton turn right on to the B4362 Station Road.

Continue to the junction with the B4361 at Orleton.

Turn left and head south on the B4361 to Leominster.

At the junction with the A44 turn left.

Follow the A44 eastbound to re-join the A49 at the OK Diner Roundabout.

Take the third exit to re-join the A49 southbound.

Road users are advised to follow the solid circle diversion symbol on road signs for the northbound closure:

At the OK Diner Roundabout in Leominster take the first exit on to the A44.

Follow the A44 westbound to the junction with the B4361.

Turn right and head north on the B4361.

Continue to the junction with the B4362 at Orleton.

Turn right and head east on the B4362 to re-join the A49 at the Salway Arms junction in Woofferton.

The agency says if this closure impacts on your planned route, allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.