A TEENAGER was in a critical condition after being thrown from a car in a pile up on the A127.


The 18-year-old man from Ilford was thrown the silver Chrysler Sebring when it collided with a blue Ford C Max, driven by a 74-year-old Wickford man, at West Horndon at about 9.30pm yesterday.


He was taken to the Royal London Hospital, while three other passengers aged 18-21 were taken to Basildon and Queens hospitals.


The 78-year-old man was treated for minor injuries at the scene, where police closed both carriageways for investigation and because of debris on both sides of the road, as well as damage to parts of the barrier. They were not reopened until 4.20am.


Four ambulance crews, the trust's hazardous area response team, a rapid response car and two attended the accident but police officers also thanks members of the public who stopped to help.


Ambulance officer Dave Wright was on the scene. He said: “Three patients received serious injuries and following treatment and stabilisation by paramedics, they were taken to Basildon, Queens and the Royal London Hospital for further care.


"Two further patients were assessed at the scene and did not require hospitalisation.


“I want to pass on my thanks to all the EEAST crews and the fire and police service for their help and assistance at this serious collision.”


Police are appealing for witnesses of the crash to come forward by calling the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101.


Essex Police would like to thank those members of the public who stopped to help and also to those who were delayed in the subsequent road closures. The road reopened at around 4. 20am.