Two dead in ambulance crash - Paramedics' statement

South Central Ambulance Service have released this statement:

"A double crewed ambulance belonging to South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust was involved in a collision with a tree on the A337 Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst road at 09.35 this morning.

"The ambulance was en route to Southampton General Hospital at the time of theincident conveying an elderly male patient. The patient was accompanied in theambulance by a relative.

"A female member of the ambulance crew and the elderly male patient were pronounced dead at scene.

"A male relative of the deceased patient was collared and boarded at scene and has been conveyed to Southampton General Hospital by land ambulance.

"A male ambulance crew member has been airlifted to Southampton General Hospital by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (Helimed 56).

"South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust is conducting appropriate welfare checks with the families of all involved.

"The road is closed until further notice and motorists are asked to avoid the area. Diversions are in place."