A 79-YEAR-OLD Ditchling woman died yesterday after her car was involved in a head-on collision.

The pensioner was driving west in Folders Lane, Burgess Hill, when her Ford Sierra crashed with a Ford Escort travelling in the opposite direction. The woman had to be cut free from the wreckage of her car and was taken to the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath with multiple injuries. But she died later in the evening. The Escort driver, 18-year-old Holger Bollman of Woodgate Meadow, Plumpton Green, was taken to hospital with fractured ribs and leg injuries. His condition was comfortable today. The identity of the dead woman is not being released until relatives have been informed. The coroner's officer has been informed and an inquest will be held at a later date. Two ambulance crews, a police helicopter, a Burgess Hill fire engine and the heavy rescue tender from Crawley were needed to help clear the scene after the accident, which happened just before 4pm. Police are appealing for information about the crash and any witnesses are asked to contact PC Stewart Woodford at Haywards Heath traffic police on 01444 451555.

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