A MOTORIST had to be airlifted to hospital and five others were injured in a head-on smash involving a car and a pick-up truck.

The crash happened on the A6068 Padiham by-pass when a Nelson-bound blue Ford Ka and a blue Ford Ranger pick-up, travelling in the opposite direction, collided.

The incident, just before 4pm on Saturday, was by the junction of Slade Lane, Padiham.

The driver of the Ka was a 19-year-old woman from Burnley.

Fire crews, five ambulances, a doctor and the air ambulance were also called to the scene.

The 44-year-old man, driving the pick-up, a 41-year-old woman front seat passenger and a 14-year-old girl in the back of the vehicle, all from Blackpool, got out of the wreckage themselves.

The driver of the Ka, a 17-year-old girl in the front and a 13-year-old girl sat in the back of the car, both from Hapton, all had to be cut free by firefighters.

The Ka driver was airlifted to the Royal Preston Hospital with a broken leg, the ambulance service said.

Her passengers were taken to Burnley General Hospital, one with a broken left leg and the other with facial injuries.

Yesterday they were still in hospital.

The driver of the Ford pick-up was breathalysed at the scene. The result was negative.

He and his front seat passenger were taken to Burnley General Hospital with minor injuries. The back seat passenger was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital where she underwent surgery for serious facial injuries.

None of the injuries were said to be life threatening.

Workers from Lancashire County Council were called to clear an oil spillage and traffic was diverted along Higham Road and Slade Lane.

Sergeant Gavin Shaw, of Burnley police, said: "The cause of the collision is still under investigation and we would appeal for any witnesses to come forward."

Anyone with information should call police on 01282 425001.