A TORRENTIAL downpour of snow and sleet contributed to a three-vehicle crash that shut part of the A1 yesterday afternoon (March 30).

The crash happened near Ainderby Quernhow between junctions 50 and 51 at around 3.05pm - the same time a severe sleet and snow shower hit the area.

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The crash involved a white BMW 1 Series, black BMW 3 Series and blue Suzuki Vitara and police say the drivers of all three vehicles said the sudden change in weather conditions led to a loss of control.

The woman and man in the Suzuki were taken to hospital as a precaution after suffering seatbelt and airbag-related chest injuries.

All three vehicles had to be safely recovered which meant the full closure of lane one while the emergency services and highways worked at the scene.

Queues of around four-miles long formed along the A1 and delays continued even after the south-bound carriageway fully reopened just after 5pm.

Witnesses to the crash or motorists with dash-cam footage are asked to email jack.dodsworth@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Jack Dodsworth.

Quote reference number 12220054004.

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