Two people have been transported to hospital with serious injuries following a significant collision involving a civilian car and a police vehicle on Edge Lane. The incident occurred at approximately 1:50 pm on Wednesday, September 24, prompting a major emergency services response and the complete closure of the road.
Merseyside Police confirmed the police vehicle was responding to an emergency at the time of the crash. The occupants of the other car, a Citroen, sustained serious injuries described as not life-threatening. The road remains closed, and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes.
Key Takeaways
- A collision occurred on Edge Lane at 1:50 pm involving a Citroen and a police car.
- Two occupants of the Citroen were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
- The police vehicle was on an active emergency response during the incident.
- Edge Lane is closed in both directions near Holt Road, causing major traffic disruption.
- Police officers involved sustained minor injuries and were also taken to hospital.
Details of the Collision
The crash took place near the junction with Holt Road, a busy section of Edge Lane. According to official reports, the collision involved a Merseyside Police car and a Citroen. At the time of the incident, the police vehicle was actively responding to an emergency call, a detail confirmed by the force.
Photographs from the scene show the severe impact of the crash. One of the vehicles, the Citroen, is seen overturned on its side. The police car sustained significant damage to its front end and bonnet. A large police cordon was established shortly after the incident, securing the area for investigation and recovery work.
Emergency Response and Scene Management
A substantial presence of emergency services, including police, paramedics, and fire crews, attended the scene. Paramedics provided immediate medical attention to the individuals involved before they were transported to hospital for further treatment. The area was quickly cordoned off to ensure the safety of the public and the emergency responders.
Police Emergency Response Protocols
When police vehicles respond to emergencies, they operate under specific legal exemptions that allow them to exceed speed limits and disregard certain traffic signals. However, officers are highly trained to balance the urgency of the call with public safety, and all such incidents are subject to a thorough review.
Injuries Sustained in the Crash
The two people travelling in the Citroen, the driver and a passenger, were the most seriously hurt. Emergency services confirmed their injuries are serious but are not considered to be life-threatening or life-changing. Both were taken to a local hospital for comprehensive assessment and treatment.
The police officers involved in the collision also required medical attention. They sustained minor injuries, which were reportedly caused by the deployment of their vehicle's airbag system. As a precautionary measure, they were also transported to hospital for a check-up but were not seriously harmed.
Incident Summary
- Time: Approximately 1:50 pm, Wednesday, September 24
- Location: Edge Lane, near Holt Road junction
- Vehicles: Citroen and a Merseyside Police car
- Injuries: Two serious (Citroen occupants), minor (Police officers)
- Status: Road closed, investigation ongoing
Widespread Traffic Disruption and Road Closures
The closure of Edge Lane, a critical arterial route in and out of the city centre, has caused significant and widespread traffic congestion. The road was shut in both directions to allow emergency services to manage the incident safely. Motorists reported long delays and gridlock on numerous surrounding routes as drivers sought alternative ways to complete their journeys.
Impact on Local Roads and Public Transport
Heavy traffic has been reported on several key roads in the vicinity. Areas particularly affected include Smithdown Road, Durning Road, and Holt Road. Drivers have been strongly advised by authorities to avoid the area entirely if possible to prevent further congestion and allow emergency services clear access.
The road closure has also had a direct impact on public transport services. Bus routes that typically use Edge Lane have been forced to divert. Arriva North West issued a public notice regarding one of its key services.
"Due to a police incident on Edge Lane, service 7 will use Innovation Boulevard, Wavertree Road and Irvine Street in both directions until further notice, omitting a section of Edge Lane. Delays are highly likely, please allow extra time for your journey."
Ongoing Investigation and Public Advisory
Merseyside Police has confirmed that an investigation into the circumstances of the collision is now underway. Accident investigation units are expected to remain at the scene for several hours to conduct their work. The road closure will likely remain in place until this initial investigation is complete and the vehicles have been recovered.
Authorities continue to urge the public to heed the road closure signs and follow the guidance of officers at the scene. Updates on the reopening of Edge Lane will be provided once the area is deemed safe for traffic to resume. Members of the public are advised to check local travel news for the latest information before starting their journeys in the area.