THE three people who suffered serious injuries in a horrific smash on a major road just outside of York are said to be in a "comfortable" condition in York Hospital.

The accident happened at 4pm on Monday on the A19 just south of Tollerton. A 44-tonne lorry carrying fertiliser and a white Peugeot, which were both travelling in the direction of Easingwold, were involved in a crash with a green Ford Focus being driven towards York.

The occupants of the Focus, a 53-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman from Easingwold, along with the driver of the Peugeot, a 43-year-old man from the York area, all suffered serious injuries and were taken to York Hospital. Firefighters had to cut two of the people out of the wreckage.

The male lorry driver, who is from Lincolnshire, was unhurt.

The road was closed for six hours after the incident, causing tailbacks for commuters, while crash investigators examined the scene and debris was cleared from the carriageway.

Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to call TC Chris Dundon of North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060247.