Three people taken to hospital after two-vehicle 'serious collision' closes the A19

The dual carriageway was shut to drivers heading north between the A179-B1280 Hartlepool turn off and the A181 Durham-Castle Eden junction following a crash near Hutton Henry at around 10.15am.

Southbound lanes were also blocked to allow the Great North Air Ambulance to land.

The Highways Agency confirmed just after midday that the northbound carriageway had reopened following the “serious collision”.

A North East Ambulance Service spokeswoman said five of its vehicles were sent to the scene with three people treated there before they were taken by road ambulance to Stockton’s University Hospital of North Tees.

Motorists were warned to expect severe delays while the road was shut.

A Highways Agency statement said during the closure: “Durham Police are in attendance.

“The southbound carriageway is blocked to allow an air ambulance to attend the incident.

“Delays are likely on approach to the closures.”

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