A FIRE engine on an emergency call was involved in a three-vehicle smash which brought traffic chaos to Weymouth.

The incident blocked Preston Road, caused widespread diversions and forced other firefighters to answer the call to Osmington.

An air ambulance landed on Preston Road to take an injured car driver to Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester for treatment to back and neck injuries after firefighters involved in the crash cut him free from his red Kia hatchback.

The accident, which also involved a van, happened near the Co-op store.

One member of staff said: "I heard the fire engine's sirens and then heard a smash. I turned around and saw a car being sent up into the air and over the pavement towards the wall of a house."

Another witness said: "I think the driver of the car thought a van had stopped to let him cross the road and as he pulled out the fire engine collided with him.

"The firemen surrounded the car immediately to try to get the driver out and he was flown to hospital wearing a neck brace."

More than two dozen firefighters and police tackled the incident which closed the main road to Weymouth in both directions.

The van driver, who escaped unhurt, said: "It was so quick. "I just saw the car, heard the sirens and then we were both hit by the fire engine." The fire engine involved in the crash remained at the scene and a second appliance continued to Osmington Mills to deal with a call about a chip-pan fire at the Smugglers Inn. The fire was out on arrival.

Alun Morgan, accident investigation officer for Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, said all firefighters involved in the accident escaped injury.

He added: "The fire crew involved in the incident immediately assisted the casualty and used hydraulic equipment to free him from his vehicle."

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "The accident caused traffic chaos in the area. Diversions were brought in over a wide area but all roads were open and traffic was flowing normally by early afternoon."