THE Wessex Way was closed for six hours following a head-on collision which resulted in three people being taken to hospital.

Emergency services were called to the scene between County Gates Roundabout and Bournemouth West Roundabout at 11.20am following reports of a collision involving a black Nissan and silver Seat, both registered to men from Bournemouth. 

The subsequent road closure - which lasted six hours because of a problem with the detergent needed to clear spilled oil - caused gridlock, with drivers reporting delays of up to 75 minutes on all routes between Bournemouth and Westbourne.

The road did not reopen until 5.20, well into rush hour.

A Dorset Police spokesman said the road was closed both ways to allow the council to clear oil from the road.

A spokesman for Bournemouth Council said: "The oil was thicker than first anticipated and a stronger detergent was needed."

 

 


 

A South Western Ambulance Service spokesperson said three ambulances were sent to the scene following reports of a head-on collision.

She added that three causalities were taken to Poole Hospital for treatment. The extent of any injuries sustained is not yet known.

An officer at the scene thanked motorists for their patience. Oil on the road and the wet conditions meant the road needed to be cleared before it could be reopened, he said.