THREE people were recovering in hospital yesterday after a multi-vehicle pile-up that brought chaos to the A19.

Eight cars and a road tanker were involved in an accident that brought both sides of the dual carriageway to a standstill.

North Yorkshire County Council's emergency risk management team was brought into action and opened a rest centre for people involved in the incident.

Police have launched an inquiry into the cause, and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The accident happened at 8.30pm on Sunday, near the Silton crossroads of the A19, about four miles north of Thirsk.

A tanker travelling north apparently crossed the central reservation and overturned on to the south-bound carriageway, where it was involved in a collision with a car, trapping the driver. A number of other cars crashed into the wreckage.

Education, social services and county catering were involved in the opening of the emergency rest centre at the Allertonshire School, Northallerton, with the help of Hambleton District Council.

The centre dealt with about 25 people. They were taken there after being discharged following treatment at Northallerton's Friarage Hospital.

The road was reopened yesterday morning. Witnesses are asked to contact police, on (01609) 783131.