by Martin Jeffries

Two men have been taken to hospital with serious injuries after a van and a car collided in Thanet this lunchtime.

The crash on the coastbound carriageway of the A28 between the St Nicholas-at-Wade roundabout and the Seamark Road junction, near Birchington, happened at around 12.20pm.

The male driver of the BMW involved was flown by air ambulance to Kings College Hospital, London. He has suffered life threatening injuries, a spokesman for Kent Police confirmed.

His passenger has been taken to the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital, Margate, with serious injuries.

A passenger travelling in the Mercedes Sprinter van was also taken to the QEQM, although his injuries are described as minor. The driver did not require hospital treatment.

The stretch of the A28 is expected to remain closed until at least 5pm to allow officers from the serious collision investigation unit at Kent Police to look into the cause of the crash.

Diversions are in place but drivers are asked to avoid the area.

Witnesses are asked to contact Kent Police on 01622 798 538.