A MAN is in a critical condition following a head-on car crash on the A414 this morning (Friday).

The accident happened at around 7.40am, close to the Hertfingfordbury roundabout, when a car apparently crossed the central reservation and collided head on with another vehicle travelling in the opposite direction.

Police, firefighters and paramedics all attended the scene, as well as the Hertfordshire Air Ambulance.

Two people, a man and a woman, were taken by land ambulance to the QE2 Hospital in WGC, while a third man, who had to be cut from his car, was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel.

East of England Ambulance spokesman Gary Sanderson said the man airlifted to hospital was in a critical condition, while the two people taken to the QE2 had received back injuries.

“We believe a car crossed the central reservation and collided with another on the opposite carriageway,” Mr Sanderson said. “When our paramedics arrived at the scene, a man and a woman form one of the cars involved sustained serious back injuries.

“A man in the other car was ‘well trapped’ and was in a critical condition.”

Mr Sanderson also paid tribute to the paramedics who attended the scene, as well as Dr Martyn Wildman, from the air ambulance, and Dr Mark Hearn, a consultant anaesthetist from the QE2 Hospital who was passing on his way to work and offered to help.

“Dr Hearn worked closely with the paramedics and Doctor Wildman to treat and stabilise all three casualties. His help was very much appreciated,” Mr Sanderson said.

Both sides of the A414 were closed between Hertingfordbury and Cole Green as emergency services dealt with the accident. A police spokeswoman said the road remained closed for now.