FIVE people were taken to hospital after a rush-hour crash at a notorious North Yorkshire blackspot.

Two cars collided head-on at Barton crossroads, on the A64, between York and Malton, last night. One man had to be cut free from the wreckage, and a 69-year-old woman was removed on a stretcher. Three fire crews, and three ambulances were called to the crash.

The collision happened at about 4.50pm yesterday, when a blue Mazda 626 travelling eastbound collided with a blue Peugeot 106 coming in the opposite direction.

The 20-year-old female driver of the Peugeot suffered chest injuries and a broken nose, but was out of the car when the emergency services arrived.

The 60-year-old male driver of the Mazda had to be cut free by firefighters. His front passenger, also 60, received cuts to his head, but was out of the car by the time ambulances arrived. Two women, also in their 60s, were travelling in the back of the car. One sustained pelvic injuries and a broken wrist. The woman who was removed from the car on a stretcher suffered chest, back and rib injuries.

Two fire crews from Malton and one from York attended the crash. All five people, none of whom has yet been named, were taken to York District Hospital.

There have been growing calls recently for steps to be taken to make the A64 safer. Last week, a man died and a woman was seriously injured when her car was trapped under a lorry, and local councillors have called for the road to be upgraded to a dual carriageway.

North Yorkshire county councillor Murray Naylor said last week: "I think the delay over making a decision whether to dual or not, or whether to improve the road in stages, is very reprehensible."

Updated: 09:55 Friday, April 29, 2005