Teenager fighting for her life after van crashes down a steep ravine near Accrington

Police say the the van ploughed through a metal barrier

Author: Gavin RutterPublished 8th Jul 2023
Last updated 8th Jul 2023

Lancashire Constabulary are appealing for information after a collision left a teenager with life threatening injuries.

Officers were called just after 7pm yesterday after a Mercedes Sprinter van left the carriageway of the A56 slip road which leads on to the A679 Accrington Road.

The van crashed through a metal barrier and down a steep ravine below.

The driver, a man in his 20s, suffered serious injuries including a number of fractures and was taken to hospital. His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

A 15-year-old female passenger suffered serious injuries and was taken to Manchester Children’s Hospital. Her injuries are described as life threatening.

Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with mobile or dashcam footage to come forward.

Sgt Phil Baxendale, of the Lancashire Specialist Operations Road Policing Unit, said: “This collision has left a young woman fighting for her life and I would appeal to anyone who either saw the collision itself, or the van beforehand, or who has any footage which could assist in our investigation, to get in touch.”

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