ONE person has died in this afternoon's major incident on Forest Road, emergency services have confirmed.

A bus and two cars crashed and at least 25 casualties have been reported.

A major incident was declared this afternoon.

Speaking at the scene, police confirmed one person had died as a result of the crash.

Group commander for the fire and rescue service, Justin Harden, said: "My thoughts are with the deceased's family, on behalf of everybody here.

"It has been a significant incident, the like of which we have not seen for some time.

"It has been a really effective multi-agency response — police, ambulance, fire and air abulance.

"It was quite a busy scene, but I would be doing a disservice if I said chaotic because there was some really effective simultaneous working going on across the two cars and the bus to make sure everyone was extricated and moved from the vehicles as quickly as they could be."

UPDATE 17:18

Police have confirmed that the person who died was a woman in her 60s. She was travelling in a red Fiat Bravo.

Three other people in the vehicle are in a serious condition and have been taken to hospital.

The driver of the bus, a man in his 50s, is also said to have sustained a serious injury.

A Police spokesperson has said: "We are investigating a serious road traffic collision on Forest Road in Newport, Isle of Wight, that has resulted in the death of a woman in her 60s.

"The incident occurred at the junction with Betty Haunt Lane, Newport, at 12.46pm today and involved a bus and two cars.

"Ten passengers who were travelling on the bus have also been taken to hospital as a precaution.

"Four people travelling in a silver Mini Cooper, were also taken to hospital as a precaution.

"If anyone witnessed the collision and hasn’t already spoken to police, please call 101 and quote reference 375 of April 14.

"If you saw any of the vehicles prior to the collision or have dash cam footage of the vehicles or the incident, please get in touch.

"Forest Road is currently closed with no access from Betty Haunt Lane or Whitehouse Road.

"Two air ambulances attended the scene and all casualties have been taken to St Mary’s Hospital, Southampton General Hospital and Brighton Hospitals.

"Police, fire and rescue and ambulance attended the scene.

"Motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area. The closures are likely to remain in place for some time."

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