A 16-YEAR-OLD girl had to be cut free from a taxi last night after a tree branch fell and crushed the vehicle.

Firefighters were called to the scene at Mitton Hall , Mitton Road, Whalley, at 7.30pm in what was described as a "freak accident".

Jennifer Rong, of Minister Crescent, Darwen, was travelling to Clitheroe in the taxi driven by Frank Taylor, 42, of Warren Fold, Hurst Green.

It is thought strong winds caused the tree branch to fall around 20 feet, crumpling the passenger side of the white Ford Mondeo car.

Paramedics assisted with the rescue and stabilised the woman in the car.

Station Officer Jack Anderson, of Great Harwood Fire Station, said: "The taxi was coming down the road when strong winds appear to have broken off a big branch which hit the vehicle and trapped the woman inside.

"The taxi driver stopped about 50 feet further down the road. We had to use specialised cutting equipment to get her free and the incident support unit from Accrington was called out to assist."

Firefighters worked for an hour to free the teenager who was later taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary suffering from cuts to the head and shock.

Mr Taylor escaped unhurt.