A WOMAN driver died and an 81-year-old motorist was left fighting for his life after a horrific head-on crash at a notorious accident blackspot.

Both drivers were airlifted to hospital in separate helicopters after the smash on the A56 Colne Road, Foulridge.

Vauxhall Nova driver Jean Barnes, 54, of Hollins Road, Barnoldswick, was airlifted to the Royal Preston Hospital in the recently launched Lancashire air ambulance, but died about 90 minutes later.

Police closed the A56 for four hours following the accident near the entrance to New Hague Farm.

The accident happened at 3.07pm yesterday and involved a Vauxhall Nova and a Volvo 406. It happened near the spot where a motorcyclist died in February.

Both drivers were trapped in the wreckage of their vehicles for 90 minutes and had to be cut free by firefighters as paramedics treated them at the scene.

Nova driver Mrs Barnes suffered serious multiple injuries.

Volvo driver Harry Manning, 81, of Colne Road, Sough, Earby, had serious chest, leg and abdominal injuries and was taken by Lancashire Police helicopter to Airedale Hospital, Steeton, where his condition today was described as "critical but stable." A police spokesman said the Nova was travelling towards Colne when it appeared to have crossed into the opposite carriageway for "no apparent reason." It was in collision with the offside wheel of a Ford Transit van driven by Julie Swales, 40, of Swaledale Farm, Wheatley Lane Road, Barrowford.

The Nova then carried on and smashed into the Volvo which was travelling behind the Transit.

The drivers were trapped in the vehicles for 90 minutes before being airlifted to hospital.

Police carried out a reconstruction of the accident before the road was reopened.

For four hours the closure of the road caused widespread traffic problems which police described as "horrendous."

Diversions on narrow country roads were put into operation and lorry drivers were told to find alternative routes.

A police spokesman said: "The accident happened at a busy time and the congestion was horrendous.'' Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident to call them on 01282 425001.

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