U’s youth players caught up in crash (From Gazette)

U’s youth players caught up in crash

3:00pm Monday 10th September 2012 in News By Adam Cornell

Colchester United youth players were rushed to hospital after a smash on the A12.

Two people were trapped and had to be cut free and a woman was airlifted to hospital after the cars collided on the northbound carriageway by the Marks Tey slip road.

Under-18 youth star Jack Simmons was driving back from training with fellow youth team players Billy Roast and Toby Blanche when their red Renault Clio collided with a white Ford Fiesta at about 4.30pm on Thursday.

Police, fire and ambulance crews were called, and were later joined by the air ambulance.

A woman, in her forties, was taken by helicopter to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, for further treatment.

The three Colchester United players were taken to Colchester General Hospital, but later released.

Tony Humes, head of youth at Colchester United, praised the emergency services. He said: “They are OK. Jack wasn’t here on Friday as we gave him time off to sort out the insurance and things with the car.

“The others were in, but not training and were recovering from the shock. Everything was handled very well by the emergency services and they did not take any chances.

“All three went to hospital. It is a big relief they are OK and we hope the woman involved is OK – that is the main thing."

Anyone with information should call the Stanway response and road policing team on 101.