An elderly woman has been killed when an ambulance rapid response vehicle collided with a car in Staffordshire, emergency services said.

The West Midlands Ambulance Service rapid response vehicle had its emergency lights flashing and its sirens blaring when the accident happened on the A51 in Lichfield.

The driver of the car suffered serious injuries and, although resuscitation attempts were made, it was not possible to save her and she was pronounced dead at the scene, West Midlands Ambulance Service said.

The passenger in the blue Ford Ka, a 72-year-old woman, was airlifted to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham, suffering from head and chest injuries.

Her condition on arrival at the hospital was described as stable with potentially serious injuries.

The paramedic driving the response vehicle was taken to Stafford Hospital by land ambulance after suffering minor chest and abdominal injuries.

Two ambulances, one air ambulance, two rapid response vehicles and three senior managers were sent to the scene of the collision, which happened at about 3.15pm.

Keith Prior, assistant chief ambulance officer, said: “Our thoughts are with the families of all of those involved in this tragic crash.

“We have launched an internal investigation to examine the circumstances of this incident.

“We have already been working with our colleagues in Staffordshire Police and this will continue.”