Head-on crash between 4x4s closes Haywards Heath Road

The cars, one of which was believed to be a Jeep, collided near the humpback bridge opposite Balcombe viaduct between the village and Borde Hill, on the outskirts of Haywards Heath.

The road was blocked completely and was closed resulting in other vehicles having to turn round and find alternative routes south and north.

The accident was attended by police and fire crews from Haywards Heath who warned drivers to drive carefully due to black ice on the roads this morning.

Fire crews used hydraulic lifting equipment to remove the roof of one 4x4 in order to free the woman driver. She was taken to hospital but her injuries were not thought to be serious.

The male driver of the other 4x4 managed to free himself and suffered chest pains but was otherwise uninjured.

The accident happened at about 8.30am in the middle of the rush hour and was one of more than 80 accidents across the county today.

Police said more than 30 involved single vehicles which had slid off the road due to black ice.

Police and the fire and rescue service warned drivers to be careful of black ice which was extensive due to the freezing overnight temperatures which followed the heavy rain at the weekend.