A YOUNG woman was killed after a two-vehicle accident which closed the A19 in both directions tonight.

The accident happened on the southbound carriageway close to the Silton crossroads near Thirsk in North Yorkshire.

Emergency services, including the Great North Air Ambulance, were called to the scene around 5.50pm.

It is understood the victim, whose identity has not been released, but was aged between 19 and 30-years-old, suffered multiple injuries and was declared dead at the location.

A spokesman for the service said: “This was a two-vehicle road traffic collision.

“The young female driver of one car sadly died on scene. Obviously, our thoughts are with her family at this very sad time.

“The other driver had minor injuries and was taken to hospital by land ambulance.”

Police closed the road in both directions and vehicles using the A19 were diverted via the village of Kirby Sigston. Locals said the roads in the area were extremely congested as a result.

A spokeswoman for the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the ambulance service called for their assistance at the accident.

Three tenders were sent to the scene, two from Northallerton and one from Thirsk. One remained at the site some two hours after.