Guild Way crash casualty is taken to hospital as commuters face traffic bedlam

Preston-bound motorists remain at a standstill in Penwortham after a crash on the Guild Way flyover at around 7.20am.

The Guild Way bridge has been closed both ways for more than two hours, leading to severe congestion on both sides of the River Ribble.

One crash casualty has been taken to Royal Preston Hospital, but their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, said the ambulance service.

Drivers stuck in the flyover standstill have been turning around and diverting towards Penwortham, where traffic is rejoining the A59 at Liverpool Road before crossing the flyover to Broadgate in the city.

The crash is also seriously affecting traffic on other roads in the area, with queues along Strand Road between Broadgate/Fishergate Hill and Water Lane/Tulketh Brow in Preston.

There are miles of queuing traffic in Penwortham and back to Howick and Hutton, as well as along John Horrocks Way and Golden Way.

Traffic is also struggling to move along Cop Lane and Pope Lane, and along Leyland Road back to Lostock Hall.

Queues currently stretch along Cop Lane from Kingsfold to the traffic lights in Penwortham village centre, with congestion continuing along Liverpool Road towards Preston.

Some people travelling from Howick and Hutton have reported being stuck in the standstill for up to two hours, with traffic barely creeping along on the A59 between Liverpool Road in Penwortham and the city.

A police spokesman said: "We are currently at the scene of a two vehicle collision on the Penwortham flyover bridge.

"Emergency services have attended and the road is closed.

"We are advising motorists to avoid the area and find alternative routes where possible.

"We will update you in due course."

North West Ambulance Service has treated a number of casualties for minor injuries and taken one person to Royal Preston Hospital for further treatment.

An ambulance spokesman said: "We were called at 7.20am to reports of a road traffic collision between two vehicles.

"Looks like we’ve taken one patient to hospital, the extent of the injuries are unclear but don’t look life threatening."

Fire crews from Preston and Penwortham also attended the scene, with firefighters giving first aid to a number of casualties with minor injuries.

A fire service spokesman said: "At 7.33am, two fire engines from Preston and Penwortham attended a road traffic collision located on Guild Way, Ashton on Ribble, Preston.

"The incident involved several vehicles. Casualties were treated by the fire service and left in the care of NWAS personnel.

"Fire crews used a hearth kit and were in attendance for thirty minutes."

Recovery teams tasked with moving the two stricken vehicles, which had been blocking the Preston-bound carriageway, are at the scene.

You can stay informed with the latest updates on today's traffic chaos with our live blog here.

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