UPDATE: drivers warned to stay clear of A273 Burgess Hill/Hassocks road

Just before 6.45am two vans travelling in opposite directions collided on the A273, London Road outside New Close Farm.

The road was closed in both directions.

The men driving the vans, aged 60 and 48, were taken by road ambulance to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton with serious leg and body injuries.

The passenger in the van driven by the 60-year old, a 19-year old man, was taken by air ambulance to Kings College Hospital in South London with serious leg and arm injuries.

None of the injuries are assessed as life threatening at this time. There was nobody else in the vans.

Sergeant Mark Baker of the Sussex Road Policing Unit at Haywards Heath said; “We are investigating the cause of the collision and are asking anyone who saw what happened to call us on 101 quoting serial 215 of 6/8. You can also email us at ‘[email protected]’

“The road between Burgess Hill and Hassocks will remain closed until later this morning while we examine the vans and the scene, and while the highway authority clear the road and ensure it is safe to be opened. Diversions are in place meanwhile and we appreciate the patience of drivers who will have been delayed as a result of the collision.”