A multi-vehicle collision near Tarvin involved 12 casualties with two young children airlifted to hospital with head injuries.

A grey Peugeot 5008 and a red BMW were involved in a head-on collision and a grey Citroen Berlingo overturned in the accident which happened about 1.45pm today (Wednesday, July 22) on the A51, on the stretch between the A51-A54 Tarvin Roundabout and the Stamford Bridge Inn.

The accident scene near Tarvin roundabout where three cars were involved in a collision. Picture by John Metcalfe
The accident scene near Tarvin roundabout where three cars were involved in a collision. Picture by John Metcalfe

North West Ambulance Service Trust confirmed a total of 12 casualties with a six-year-old girl and nine-month-old baby, accompanied by one adult each, flown in two separate air ambulances to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool. Both youngsters are believed to have suffered head injuries.

Another six-year-old and an eight-year-old were taken by land ambulance to Alder Hey. A 12-year-old and five adults were taken by land ambulances to Countess of Chester Hospital. Injuries are believed to include a broken wrist and bumps and bruises plus seat-belt injuries.

An ambulance spokeswoman said of all the casualties: “Their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.”

The accident scene near Tarvin roundabout where three cars were involved in a collision. Picture by John Metcalfe
The accident scene near Tarvin roundabout where three cars were involved in a collision. Picture by John Metcalfe

Police, fire and ambulance crews attended the scene including the two air ambulance helicopters. The Citroen, carrying an elderly couple, ended up on its roof with a woman released by firefighters. Both occupants suffered only minor injuries.

Cheshire police closed the A51 in both directions between the Tarvin Roundabout and at the A55 Vicars Cross Roundabout but it reopened about 4.30pm. The collision caused traffic delays and motorists were told to avoid the area.

An ambulance service spokesperson said: “At 13.46 today we received a call to reports of a multi car RTC in Tarvin, Cheshire. So far, we have despatched two rapid response vehicles, three ambulances, two heli-med units, two intermediate care vehicles and a number of operational managers to the scene with the first crews arriving at 13.58.

“We are currently assessing the scene and working closely with other members of the emergency services, with our priority being to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible.

“Countess of Chester Hospital has been alerted and is preparing to receive patients. Other hospitals may also be on standby.”

Enquiries into the incident are currently ongoing and anyone with any information in relation to the collision is asked to contact Cheshire police on 101 quoting incident number 390 of 22/7/15.