A young woman was killed and four other people were seriously injured yesterday, in yet another road accident on the notorious stretch of the A64 at Golden Hill.

Police say a Vauxhall Nova, heading for Malton, and a Peugeot, heading for York, collided head-on at the top of the hill's crawler lane, where the road bends sharply.

The Nova spun off into a field, throwing two of its four occupants clear, before both vehicles burst into flames.

Passing motorists tried to rescue the injured, but one of the Nova passengers, described only as "a young female from Ryedale", was confirmed dead at the scene.

She was due to be formally identified later today.

The survivors were taken to York District Hospital with injuries described as "serious but not life-threatening".

North Yorkshire firefighters attended to deal with the burning cars.

The road was blocked for some time and a number of diversions were put in place.

It is the latest in a string of accidents on the A64, including a double fatal crash just last month, in which a mother and daughter lost their lives.

The road will be subject to a safety review next year. In particular, the crawler lane is set to be closed for an experimental period next spring.

Ryedale MP John Greenway, who has led the calls for safety improvements to the A64, said: "This is another real tragedy for this stretch of the A64 at Golden Hill. The Highways Agency have said they will close the crawler lane next March - I would like to see it closed this week."

Highways Agency route manager Mark Schofield said: "The accident record of this road continues to be a cause for concern and our thoughts are with the family of the person who died in this tragic accident.

"Changes to the layout of the road at Golden Hill and at the end of Malton bypass are programmed for completion this financial year, and although we cannot give a definite start date, it will be completed before the end of March."

Police are seeking witnesses to the incident. Anyone with any information is asked to ring 01653 692424.

Meanwhile, a woman died yesterday when her white Skoda collided with a 7.5 tonne lorry on the A614, south of Shiptonthorpe.

The 22-year-old woman from Bempton, who has not been named, was pronounced dead at the scene, and her husband was taken to York District Hospital with serious injuries.

The accident happened at around 9.15am yesterday and Humberside police are appealing for witnesses.

And two people had to be cut from their car after a two-vehicle crash on Boroughbridge Road, York, yesterday.

Both were taken to hospital, although neither is thought to be seriously injured.

Traffic queues tailed back for miles on the southbound carriageway of the A1 today after a one-car accident just before 6am, near Wetherby.

The driver was taken to Harrogate District Hospital with head injuries as queues stretched back to the A59 junction.