THE A11 has been fully reopened after a crash between a car and a coach earlier this afternoon.

Nine people were hurt in the accident, which was reported to police at around 1.25pm today, between the A1101 Five Ways roundabout and the junction with the B1106, the Elveden crossroads, close to the war memorial.

A white Scania single decker bus and a black Mercedes car were involved in the crash.

The fire service and ambulance service, including three air ambulances were scrambled to the scene to attend to those involved.

It is believed that the coach was carrying around 30 people. Four passengers suffered minor injuries and have been taken to the West Suffolk Hospital, in Bury St Edmunds.

The Mercedes had four people inside. One was seriously hurt and taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge, and the other three to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

Road closures have been put in place and diversions set up.

Neil Storey, interim director of emergency operations East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST), said: “Multiple resources have been sent including ambulances, paramedic managers, rapid response vehicles, three air ambulances and the hazardous area response team (HART).

“Once the scale of what had happened was ascertained, a major incident was declared and ambulance, police and fire colleagues have worked closely together on scene.

“Eight patients have been taken to Addenbrookes, West Suffolk, and Norfolk and Norwich hospitals, and 20 patients were walking wounded.

“I’d like to thank all of the crews who have worked hard at the scene to safely attend to patients.”

The EEAST was stood down from the incident at 3.50pm.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact police on 101.