A WOMAN was seriously injured in a head-on car crash in Southend which brought traffic chaos in nearby roads.

Priory Crescent was closed at 1.15pm yesterday after a Nissan Micra and a white Nissan van collided.

Firefighters from Southend and Leigh had to cut off the Micra’s roof to free the woman driver, believed to be in her fifties.

She suffered serious injuries when twisted metal crushed her legs and pinned her against the seat. She also suffered a broken right arm.

The Essex Air Ambulance flew to the scene and part of Priory Park was cleared to allow it to land, but in the end it was not needed, as a normal was used to carry her to Southend Hospital.

A doctor who landed with the helicopter accompanied the woman to hospital.

The van driver was not seriously hurt.

An eyewitness, who does not wish to be named, said: "The roof was cut off the car involved by firefighters. "Both the car and van involved were badly damaged. It looked pretty serious to me."

Martyn Hodder, station commander at Southend fire station, said: “I’m no medical person, but I would say she was quite badly knocked about.

“The air bags did their job and protected her face and chest, though at one point we were worried because she was complaining of having trouble breathing.

“The lady was released from her vehicle in 22 minutes, a fine example of all three emergency services working as a team.”

Priory Crescent was closed for five hours between Cuckoo Corner and the roundabout at Eastern Avenue and Sutton Road, causing mayhem in surrounding roads, as drivers tried to avoid the queues.