AN ELDERLY woman and four others have been hospitalised after a white van collided with an estate car in Wendens Loft on Sunday (July 17).

The collision on the B1039 happened at around 2pm when a white Mercedes Sprinter van was in collision with a black Toyota Avensis estate.

Firefighters from Saffron Walden, Newport and Harlow attended the scene and had to use specialist cutting equipment to free two people who had become trapped.

Three ambulances, a rapid response vehicle and the Air Ambulance were in attendance, while numerous police officers were also on the scene.

A woman, believed to be in her 60s, was taken to Addenbrookes Hospital which a suspected broken neck. The Reporter understands that she had an operation yesterday.

The other four passengers, including a 12-year-old girl, were also taken to hospital as a precaution.

The driver of the van was uninjured.

The road was closed until around 11pm while Essex Highways cleared a petrol spillage from the crash.

A Serious Collisions Investigations Unit remains on the scene carrying out investigations. Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt David Griffiths on 0300 333 4444.