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.

As reported in yesterday's edition of The Press, 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 phone PC Chris Dundon, of North Yorkshire Police, on 0845 6060247.

The Highways Agency has also taken the step of issuing advice to motorists driving in the current bad weather.

A spokesman said: "Drivers are reminded that rain and spray can reduce visibility.

"When the road is wet it can take up to twice as long to stop, so it makes sense to slow down when it's raining.

"If your vehicle loses its grip, or aquaplanes' on surface water, take your foot off the accelerator to slow down. Don't brake or steer suddenly because you will have no control of the steering or brakes.

"Surface water may affect motorways and major A-roads so we advise drivers to move slowly through any standing water and test their brakes once they're through before continuing to drive."

He said drivers should check the weather conditons before they make a journey and to carry warm clothing and an emergency pack which includes food, water, boots, de-icer a torch and a spade if snow is forecast.