CRASH BETWEEN AMBULANCE CAR AND TAXI CLOSES NEWPORT’S FAIRLEE ROAD
A road traffic collision between a rapid response ambulance and a taxi has forced the closure of Newport’s Fairlee Road in both directions this lunchtime (Sunday).
Emergency services are currently on scene on the main road in and out of Newport near to where the speed limit changes from 40 to 30.
It’s here that a marked Isle of Wight Ambulance Service rapid response car – a Skoda Kodiaq – has collided head on with a taxi, causing significant damage to both vehicles.
Emergency services – including Police, fire and ambulance crews – were called to the scene at around 12:45.
All traffic, including Route 5 and 9 Southern Vectis buses, is being diverted via Staplers Road in both directions until further notice.
The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service has been approached for a statement with further information on the circumstances of the crash expected shortly.
Island Echo understands the ambulance car was responding to an emergency call on blue lights at the time of impact.
Recovery of the 2 vehicles has been arranged and the road is expected to reopen as soon as the recovery operation is complete.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are underway.
A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service has told Island Echo:
“At 12.43 today an Isle of Wight Ambulance Service Rapid Response vehicle on blue lights and sirens was involved in a collision with another car on Fairlee Road in Newport.
“Two people have been conveyed to St Mary’s Hospital.
“An Ambulance was sent to the Patient that the Rapid Response Vehicle was on route too”.
