A FIVE-car collision closed part of the Wessex Way bringing rush hour traffic to a standstill around Bournemouth on Monday.

The incident, which took place on the northbound carriageway of the A338 between the Springbourne slip road and Cooper Dean roundabout, involved five vehicles including two BMWs and a black Mercedes taxi.

The collision took place after 8.30am just metres from a speed camera.

Two people reported neck pain and one man was seen being transferred to a spinal board and taken to hospital by ambulance.

The road from Springbourne was closed for around an hour while police moved the cars and tended to the drivers and passengers, reopening one lane to allow heavy traffic through.

Major damage was caused to the front of the silver BMW, which appeared to be in the middle of the pack of five with damage also caused to the black BMW.

Police and ambulances were called with traffic being diverted from Springbourne roundabout and Richmond Park Road.

Bournemouth council were also called to help clear the road and deal with a fuel spillage.

Resident Gordon Parnell, who was walking past the scene, said: “We heard all the ambulances and then came out to see what had happened.

“We always hear police cars along this road although usually they are on their way to Blackwater.

“It’s rare to see something along this stretch though.”

Traffic travelling southbound was slow but moving although motorists attempting to travel towards Ringwood were severely delayed.

Roads around Queens Park were busier than usual as drivers tried to find alternative diversions around the incident.