A WOMAN has died after a head-on collision on the A35.

Five others were also injured in the two-car crash on the A35 Charmouth Road at Axminster yesterday evening. Two people are in a critical condition.

In a statement released this evening, Devon and Cornwall Police said: "At approximately 6pm on Saturday 30THJanuary 2016 two vehicles were involved in a head on collision on the A35 Charmouth Road, Axminster.

"A Honda motor car from the Dorset area and a Vauxhall Zafira from The Isle of Wight were involved in the collision. As a result a 46-year-old woman from the Isle of Wight received fatal injuries. Two other occupants of the same vehicle remain in a critical condition in Hospital.  Next of kin have been informed and enquiries are ongoing.

"Any witnesses to the collision are asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 101 quoting log reference 569 30/01/2016."

The incident happened just over the border into Devon near the Hunter's Lodge pub at around 6pm.

The A35 was closed for several hours between Charmouth and Axminster while emergency services dealt with the situation.

A spokeswoman for the South West Ambulance Trust said one person was flown to Southmead Hospital in Bristol in a life-threatening condition.

Five others were taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital by ambulance.

Four of those injured had been travelling in one car, while two were travelling in the other car involved in the collision.

The spokeswoman added that the people were injured in a 'head on' collision.

A spokeswoman for Dorset Police confirmed officers attended but Devon Police took the lead on dealing with the incident. The police helicopter, the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, five land ambulances, two rapid response vehicles and a South West Ambulance officer attended the scene.

The A35 was closed for several hours but is now reopen.