Keswick A66 ambulance crash kills woman

12 January

A woman in her 30s died when her car was involved in a crash with an ambulance in Cumbria.

The crash between the Fiat Punto and the ambulance happened on the A66 near Burns Farm, east of Keswick, at about 08:50 GMT on Thursday, police said.

Ambulance staff gave immediate treatment to the car driver but she died at the scene.

Police said the ambulance had no patients on board and was not on blue lights at the time of the collision.

Gene Quinn, from North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), described the incident as "tragic".

"Immediate emergency care was given to the female driver of the car by the crew involved," he said.

"This was quickly supported by another ambulance crew, an emergency doctor, a critical care helicopter crew and two operational commanders."

'Heartbreaking incident'

The ambulance crew involved in the crash were treated for minor injuries and continue to receive welfare support.

Mr Quinn said: "This is a heartbreaking incident, and our sincere condolences go out to the patient's family and friends and all those involved."

NWAS said it was supporting the police with the investigation.

Road closures were in place near the area on Thursday and routes were reopened at 20:30 GMT later that day.

Police have urged anyone with dashcam footage or information about the collision to contact the force.