FOUR teenage girls were seriously hurt when the car they were travelling in crashed down an embankment.

The incident happened on Burnley Road, Cliviger, close to the junction of Crown Point Road, at around 11.05pm on Sunday.

A Vauxhall Corsa has come off the road and travelled down a steep embankment.

The driver – an 18-year-old woman from Stacksteads – suffered serious back, chest and pelvic injuries.

Three passengers – who are 17-year-old girls from Bacup - also suffered injuries. They were each taken to Royal Preston Hospital where they remain.

Sgt Andy Ainsworth said: “It appears to have been a tragic accident which has left the driver with potentially life-changing injuries.

“We believe there has only been one vehicle involved and we need anyone who was travelling in the area at the time and saw this Corsa to get in touch.

“Please call 101 quoting incident reference 1570 of October 13th.”

Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team were also called to the incident.

A team spokesman said: "Yesterday evening the team were called to assist multi agency response to an incident where a car had veered down a ravine.

"On arrival MRT set up rope systems to aid partner agencies in accessing casualties safely.

"A rope system was set up to evacuate one of the casualties on a stretcher due to difficult terrain.

"All patients were classed as ‘major trauma’ and were treated on scene by North West Ambulance Service, HART and our own MRT paramedics until transporting ambulances became available.

"Time on scene was 2hrs 40 mins,with 10 team members assisting with the rescue and then further to this today the team spent two hours checking, restocking and cleaning rescue equipment.

"We as a team hope the occupants of the car make a speedy recovery."

A fire service spokesperson said: “Firefighters rescued one casualty from the vehicle using cutting equipment. Lighting equipment was also in use and the casualty was left in the care of paramedics."

The police are now asking for any witnesses to come forward.

Call the police on 101 quoting log 1570 October 13.