A SERIOUSLY injured soldier was air lifted to safety by helicopter last night after being cut free from the wreckage of his car following a head-on collision.

Firefighters battled for more than an hour to free the 23-year-old who suffered extensive leg and pelvic injuries after his L-reg Vauxhall Cavalier was hit by a Ford Mondeo outside The Park Gate Inn, Longsight Road, Copster Green. He was taken to Royal Preston Hospital. His passenger, also a 23-year-old soldier, suffered less serious hip injuries and was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary by ambulance for treatment.

The driver of the second vehicle, a 37-year-old man from Wilpshire, Blackburn, hurt his knees and was also taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary. Paramedic Paul Rogers, who attended the scene, said: "It was a difficult operation because of the extend of the damage to the cars. The engine was pushed right onto his legs. We were concerned aboutthedriver more than anything because of the length of time he was trapped. Two members of the public were first at the scene and did a great job assisting us until we received support."

Part of the A59 was closed for more than three hours to allow emergency services to deal with the crash.

Inspector Bob Webster, of Blackburn police, said: "It appears the driver of the Mondeo was negotiating a left-hand bend travelling towards Preston and crossed to the other side of the road."

Any witnesses should contact Blackburn Police on 01254 51212.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.