A FIRE engine answering an emergency call was involved in an accident with a car and a double decker bus near to the centre of Crawshawbooth village.

The accident resulted in widespread traffic chaos as the road was closed for more than two hours.

The fire engine, driven by John Watson, 34, was travelling from Rawtenstall fire station to Harvey Longworth Court, Goodshaw, when the accident happened.

Police Sgt Eric Marshall said the vehicle was involved in a collision with the car which was coming out of a junction and then with the bus which had pulled in to the kerbside.

The fire call turned out to be a false alarm with good intent.

The car involved in the collision was a Ford Sierra driven by Tracy Healey, 28, of Hamer Avenue, Rawtenstall, who was trapped in the car for a short time.

She suffered whiplash injuries and was taken to Burnley General Hospital for treatment before being allowed home.

No-one on the fire appliance was injured.

The double decker Stagecoach bus was driven by Stephen Farrington, 543, of Marsden Road, Burnley. No-one on the bus was hurt.

The accident happened at 4.15pm and the road was closed until about 6.30pm, causing serious traffic delays in the area.

Rawtenstall was gridlocked for a time and diversions were put into operation via Haslingden and the motorway or via Waterfoot.