Crash chaos in rush hour

A three-car crash brought major roads in the Cannock area to a complete standstill during rush hour today.

The accident brought traffic to a stop on the A460 and tailing back all the way to junction 11 of the M6. The collision also caused havoc for motorists at the Churchbridge islands, the A5 from Lichfield, the A34 from Great Wyrley and Eastern Way into Cannock.

The crash, involving a silver Ford Ranger pick-up, a red Peugeot 807, and a black Citroen saloon, happened at around 8.30am.

Fire crews had to free one woman from the Citroen car.

She was taken by ambulance to Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital suffering from chest pains.

A spokesman for Staffordshire Ambulance Service said her injuries "were not believed to be serious."

The drivers of the two other cars were checked by paramedics at the scene but did require hospital treatment.

Police were forced to close the road completely for over an hour and only began to filter traffic through at 10am, meaning some motorists had been stuck for more than an hour and a half.

Congestion was very heavy on surrounding roads but cleared once the road was opened completely.

Emma Stanley, spokeswoman for Staffordshire Police said: "We received a call from a member of the public to a three-car road traffic collision at 8.30am on the A460 near Cannock.

"Three vehicles were involved and suffered damage as a result with one person being trapped. Anyone who witnessed the accident should contact Staffordshire police on 08453 30 20 10."

Heather Garner, from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "One female driver had to be released using specialist cutting equipment and was taken to hospital. Two crews from Cannock and one from Stafford went to the scene."