A MAN died and two others were injured in a two-car smash on the A64 between Malton and York.

The accident near the Welburn crossroads caused long tailbacks during yesterday evening's rush hour as the emergency services carried out their work.

Traffic Sergeant Dave Elders, of North Yorkshire Police, said two men had been travelling towards Malton in a dark blue Ford Fiesta when the accident happened.

The first man was certified dead at the scene and the second man, who had to be released from the car by firefighters, suffered very serious injuries and was taken to York District Hospital. They were described as being in their early 20s.

The other car involved was a silver Seat travelling towards York. The male driver suffered less serious injuries and was also taken to hospital in York and later discharged. He was believed to be aged in his 30s or 40s.

The names of those involved have not yet been released by police.

Sergeant Elders said: "For some reason as yet unknown, the two cars have collided resulting in this accident."

Police accident investigators arrived from Tadcaster to examine the scene of the accident, which happened at about 5pm.

The road was closed off completely from around 5.30pm and traffic queues of around two miles long built up in both directions, with motorists being directed around alternative minor road routes.

Anyone who saw the accident or who saw the Ford Fiesta travelling towards Malton before it is asked to contact Traffic Constable Clare Sawyer on 01609 789212

Updated: 11:19 Saturday, February 09, 2002