Car hits house after crash on B6279 at Kinninvie, near Barnard Castle

Emergency services were called to Kinninvie, near Barnard Castle, shortly after 1.30pm today (Tuesday, February 8) after the crash on the B6279, between Staindrop and Eggleston.

The collision involved a van and a Volvo, which was then pushed into a building.

Read more: Video shows shocking crash between car and van at notorious County Durham crossroads

The impact has severely damaged the front of the van (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

A spokeswoman for Durham Constabulary said: “We were called to reports of a two-vehicle collision in Kinninvie, near Barnard Castle, shortly after 1.30pm today.

“One of the vehicles also collided with a nearby house, resulting in damage to the property."

Police said they did not believe anyone was seriously injured but it is understood the car driver suffered a cut to the hand.

The junction is well known in the area for collisions and almost 1,000 people signed a petition backed by MP Dehenna Davison calling for action to improve safety.

The collision at the crossroads on Tuesday (Image: Contributor)

Responding to today's crash the Bishop Auckland MP said: "I was so sad - and frankly angry - to see the footage of the accident at the Kinninvie Crossing.

"Since being elected, I have had countless residents contact me concerned about safety at the junction, and have been horrified by videos of some of the near misses.

"It felt it was only a matter of time until there was a serious incident.

"I have been raising this with Durham County Council and Durham Police for years, as have local councillors.

"I am grateful to the council for improving the road markings to make it easier for drivers to notice the give way, but I have been clear that this measure alone isn’t enough. I believe there should be the installation of a chicane, and a reduction in the speed limit to prevent any further incidents like this.

"Whilst I understand that will come with a financial cost, the human cost of inaction could be even greater.

"My thoughts are with the family who have seen their home destroyed, and I hope neither driver has been seriously injured."

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The Volvo was embedded in the building after the collision (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

In October, Mark Jackson, Durham County Council’s head of transport and contract services, said significant steps had been taken to ensure motorists are aware of the crossroads, with the 'current measures meeting design standards and far exceeding normal signage provision for a rural junction'.

He said: "We are concerned that, despite this, a minority of drivers are failing to recognise the give way point.

“We are continuing to work with the police to investigate what further measures we can introduce in line with government guidance and legislation.”