FIVE people were taken to hospital, one with possible life-changing injuries, following an accident between two vehicles at the top of Whiteball Hill on the A38 near Wellington.

An elderly man, who was the driver of a Ford Focus, was airlifted to Southmead Hospital, Bristol, after being freed from his car by fire fighters using hydraulic cutting equipment.

His front-seat passenger was also taken to Southmead by air, while the other passenger was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton.

The other driver, of a Toyota Hilux, was also taken to hospital with a chest injury, along with his passenger, who suffered various injuries.

It is suspected that both vehicles will be written off.

The accident occurred on Wednesday at about 6.15pm and the road was closed for about four hours.

Two air ambulances – Dorset and Somerset, and Devon – attended the scene along with three fire crews, three ambulances and the police.

Police have appealed for witnesses to the accident – anyone who can help should call 101.