A WOMAN suffered life-changing injuries after her vehicle crashed into a railway bridge near Wareham.

The crash, which took place around 12.10pm on Saturday lunchtime, closed the road for several hours.

The black Alfa Romeo Mito was travelling on Grange Road towards Stoborough when the collision took place.

It caused severe damage to the front of the vehicle.

Emergency services were called and the woman was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital with multiple injuries.

Initially they were thought to be life-threatening but police later described them as ‘life-changing’.

Her condition was described by a force spokesperson as ‘stable and sedated’ on Sunday.

As a result of the crash, Swanage Railway services were suspended until a full assessment of the bridge could take place.

Only one train was due to pass and that was under an emergency restricted speed of 5mph.

Acting Sgt Lee Savage of Dorset Police, speaking at the scene, said a woman in her 50s, from the Poole area, had been driving the black Alfa Romeo when it was in collision with the bridge.

“While travelling down the road, she has come into contact with the bridge, owned by Swanage Railway.

“We are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen this black Alfa Romeo vehicle with 2010 plates immediately prior to the accident to contact us on 101 quoting incident number 202:11.”

Dorset Fire and Rescue said the service was called at 12.20pm to the single-vehicle collision.

A spokesperson said: “A crew from Wareham and Poole attended and on arrival made the vehicle safe and assisted the ambulance crew to carry the patient to the air ambulance, which had landed in a nearby field.”

Collision investigators were on the scene on Saturday afternoon assessing the damage and road.

Shocked residents said they had been concerned for years over safety on the road.

One resident, Iris Cull, said the parish council had raised concerns with Dorset County Council about various aspects of the road.

And Dr John Larkin and his wife Anne, said traffic had increased over the years, adding to residents’ concerns.