A MAN is fighting for his life after a crash on the A31.

Two air ambulances were called to the scene at 3.48pm following the crash on the eastbound carriageway near Stoney Cross.

According to a spokesperson for South Central Ambulance Service, it is believed one car was parked on a slip road near the Esso garage when the two occupants - a man aged 70 and a woman aged 50 - got out of the car and were involved in a crash with a second car, which came off the carriageway.

"We sent two ambulances, an officer and both air ambulances to the scene (Hampshire & Isle of Wight and Thames Valley)," the spokesperson said.

"The male aged 70, had sustained serious, potentially life-threatening upper abdominal and chest injuries, the female aged 50 had sustained a back injury, not believed to be serious  or life-threatening.

"Both of these patients were taken to Southampton General by road with the doctor from one of the air ambulances travelling in the ambulance with the male patient.

​"The driver of the car that lost control, a male, was treated at the scene for minor injuries."

Both lanes of the carriageway were closed from the Ringwood junction while emergency services dealt with the incident.

The road has now been re-opened. 

There was reportedly three miles of traffic queuing eastbound from St Leonards, and motorists were being warned to avoid the area if possible.

Traffic was also queuing on the westbound carriageway due to onlookers. One of the lanes was closed to allow some of the trapped eastbound traffic to turn onto it.

Traffic on the A338 northbound was also affected.