Two die in south Shropshire A49 collision
Two people have died in a road traffic collision on the A49 in south Shropshire this morning.
The collision occurred between Craven Arms and Church Stretton, just north of Felhampton, at around 9.40am.
It appears that two vehicles - a car and a van - travelling in opposite directions were involved in the collision.
Although paramedics attended the scene very quickly, unfortunately the male driver of the van was pronounced dead at the scene while the female car driver died a short time after arriving at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a van and car which had been involved in a significant collision; both vehicles were badly damaged.
“The driver of the van, a man, was in cardiac arrest and had been pulled from the vehicle by passers-by who were already carrying out excellent CPR when crews arrived.
“Crews immediately took over resuscitation efforts and began advanced life support to try to revive the man. Sadly, despite the best efforts of passers-by and crews nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.
“The driver of the car, a woman, was unconscious and trapped in the vehicle. She had sustained a suspected head injury, chest and lower leg injuries in the crash. Crews and the doctor worked as a team to quickly extricate her from the car with help from the fire service whilst she was given vital emergency treatment.
“Sadly, the woman’s condition deteriorated and she went into cardiac arrest. Ambulance crews and the medic quickly started advanced life support before transferring her by land ambulance on blue lights to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital; the doctor travelled in the ambulance to help with resuscitation attempts on route.
“Unfortunately despite the best efforts of everyone at the scene and hospital medics, nothing could be done to save the woman and she was confirmed dead shortly after arrival at hospital.”
Two ambulances, a senior paramedic officer, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance with a BASICS emergency medic on board attended the scene.
As a result of the collision the A49 was closed southbound at Marshbrook and northbound just north of Craven Arms at the junction with the A489.
The road is expected to remain closed until 5pm, a tactical diversion is in operation.
Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed this collision, or anyone who may have seen anything that may have caused it to occur.
Anyone who witnessed, or who has information about this RTC, is asked to call West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000.
