A SCHOOLGIRL died and her family were injured when a lorry ploughed into their car which had broken down on a dual carriageway.

Azra Rawoot, 10, of Glenfield Close, Blackburn, was pronounced dead at the scene of the road smash on the A34 in Drayton, Abingdon, Oxfordshire.

Three other girls in the car, aged four, six and eight and a 57-year-old woman were all taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, where they were still being treated today after being freed from the car by fire crews.

The most serious injury to the youngsters was sustained by the four-year-old, who has a broken arm.

None of the other injuries were life-threatening. The 57-year-old was named as Mariym Anwari and is Azra's grandmother.

She suffered pelvic injuries but her condition is not thought to be critical. Azra's parents were not in the car at the time of the accident after going to get help once they broke down.

Oxford police said the accident happened at 3.30am yesterday after the family's Toyota people carrier broke down on the southbound-carriageway of the A34 and parked on the hard shoulder.

Police said the family was visiting relatives in Abingdon. Acting Sergeant Andy Barefield, of Oxford Police, said members of the Asian community in Blackburn and the Azra's family had been down to Oxfordshire to offer support.

He added: "The parents are in total and utter shock and friends and family have been down to offer their help and support."

Because of the family's Muslim faith an inquest was opened and adjourned by the coroner for Oxfordshire so her body could be released and she was expected to be buried today.

There was no answer at Azra's Little Harwood home, which is occupied by Inayat Rawoot and Zakia Rawoot.

Neighbours in Glenfield Close, in the Little Harwood area of Blackburn, wept when they spoke about the accident. One said: "The children you would see at that house were always happy, always smiling.

"This is a quiet street where everyone is pleasant to each other. To hear that a little girl, especially from such a friendly family, has been killed in such tragic circumstances is very sad.

"All we can do is think and pray for the family. We are all numb so it is impossible to imagine what they must be going through."

Police said an investigation has been launched into the cause of the crash and are appealing for witnesses. At this stage it is not known why the lorry ploughed into the car. The driver was unhurt.