A MAN and a woman had to be taken to hospital after their car left a road on Canvey and careered into a ditch.

Canvey Way was shut for two hours yesterday, as reported here,  after the accident involving the blue Peugeot 206 at 1.30pm.

Police were forced to close the busy trunk road between Sadlers Farm Roundabout and Waterside Farm roundabout, while emergency services attended the scene.

Echo:

Firefighters from Canvey and Rayleigh Weir spent an hour trying to free a man and a woman trapped in the car.

A rapid response vehicle, paramedic officer and two ambulances were also sent to treat the two casualties, who were later transferred to Basildon Hospital for treatment to minor injuries.

The accident caused extensive tailbacks along Canvey Road and Benfleet High Road as drivers sought alternative routes on and off the island.

An Essex Police spokeswoman said: “Police were contacted at about 1.30pm with reports of a collision on Canvey Way. The fire service and ambulance service attended the scene, while officers closed the road. Their injuries do not appear to be life threatening.”

The road was reopened at about 3.20pm.