A family of four were taken to hospital after a serious accident closed the A3 northbound at at Painshill this afternoon. 

The crash happened on the northbound carriageway underneath the Painshill roundabout at about 2.30pm today when a black Golf gti hit the central reservation.

The southbound carriageway, which was closed while the air ambulance landed, was queuing earlier.

Jim Brixey, blue watch commander at Painshill fire station, said: “One vehicle was involved and they lost control.

“It was a family of four in there and the male was air lifted to hospital by the air ambulance."

Mr Brixey said the driver was not physically trapped in the car, but firefighters had to remove part of the car to allow ambulance crews to lift him safely from the vehicle. 

The man, who is believed to be in his late 40s, is said to be in a serious condition while a female passenger, also in her 40s, and two children aged 12 and 14 were taken by road to St George's Hospital, Tooting. 

One lane northbound is closed and is expected to remain shut until at least 6.30pm. 

Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.

The southbound carriageway is fully open.

Surrey Police is appealing for witnesses to the incident and anyone with information should call 101, quoting reference P14234089.

  • Did you see what happened? Call the newsdesk on 020 8722 6395 or email laura.proto@london.newsquest.co.uk