A MAIN route through a Kent was closed yesterday, after a serious accident involving a car and a scaffolding lorry.

The accident happened in Maison Dieu Road, Dover, just before 8am on Thursday. A black Nissan Micra was involved in a collision with the back of a scaffolding lorry and also hit a man who was unloading the lorry.

Three people were taken to the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford. A 41-year-old man, from Dover, who worked for the scaffolding firm, sustained serious, life threatening head and leg injuries. He is currently in intensive care.

The driver of the Micra, a 34-year-old man from Dover, and a passenger, a 28-year-old Dover woman were also injured.

Kent Air Ambulance was dispatched to the scene and had to land in a car park, opposite Dover Magistrates Court. They took the injured woman to hospital.

Fire crews, ambulance and police were on the scene for most of the day.

Tony Coombs, crew manager at Dover Fire Station, said crews had to lift the scaffolding lorry with hydraulics, before moving the car backwards. The two occupants were rescued after the roof was cut off.

Dover Ambulance Crews, who were on the scene first, have praised the help of two members of the public, who helped them, as they arrived at the scene.

Paramedic John McCafferty said: "I dealt with the scaffolder who was under the lorry while my crew mate, Kevin McAuley, dealt with the two patients in the vehicle.

"With the support of the two members of the public, we were able to move the patient out from the under the lorry.

"I don’t know who the people were but I would just like to pass on my thanks for what they did."

Police are appealing for witnesses to contact the serious collision investigation unit on 01622 798538.