THREE drivers were injured in a spectacular crash in Accrington Road, Hapton.

Police say Stewart Thwaite, 20, of Brockenhurst Street, Burnley, was driving a Peugeot 309 from Hapton towards Burnley when the vehicle went out of control near to the pets' hotel at Bentley Wood Green.

The car mounted the pavement and was thrown back into the opposite carriageway where it "side swiped'' a Honda Civic driven by Frank Brooks, 74, of Briercliffe Road, Burnley.

The Peugeot then went broadside on down the road colliding head-on with a Vauxhall Vectra driven by Tracy Troubridge, 38, of Montgomery Close, Baxenden.

The impacts were so severe that the engine of the Peugeot flew out landing on the side of the road where it set on fire.

All three emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 1pm on Saturday and the road was closed for a time.

Fire crews from Padiham dealt with the small fire from the detached engine and helped in making the road safe.

The drivers received treatment from paramedics and were then taken to Burnley General Hospital.

Mr Thwaite escaped from the wreckage with a fracture to his right knee.

Mr Brooks suffered whiplash injuries and Mrs Troubridge had a chip fracture to the sternum. All were allowed home after treatment.

"Looking at the damage it is lucky that no-one was killed,'' said investigating officer PC Dave Bishop.

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