A MAN in his 40s who died following a two car crash near Ilminster has been named locally as Paul Hall.

Emergency services rushed to the scene on the B3168 west Seavington St Michael near Whitelackington at around 7.45am on Monday.

Two cars, a Volkswagen Golf and a Daewoo Matiz, collided with each other.

One man, from the Daewoo Matiz, was airlifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol with life-threatening injuries.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said collision investigators had confirmed the man died in hospital following the crash.

Another man, from the Golf, was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital.

His injuries are not believed to be serious.

Both men had to be cut out of their cars by firefighters, and both cars were completely destroyed in the incident.

Avon and Somerset Police were forced to close the road for seven hours as the emergency services worked, with the road reopening at 2.15pm.

Police have now launched an investigation into the smash.

A spokesman for the force said: “Collision investigators are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the incident who may have information to help their enquiries.

"Anyone able to help is asked to contact the collision investigation unit on 101 quoting log 0131 AE of Monday 25 April.”

Chard & Ilminster News:

A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called to the incident at 7.51am, on the B3168 near Ilminster.

"We released two people from vehicles, who were then taken to hospital.

"Four fire engines from local stations attended and we left the scene at 9.03am."

A spokesman from South Western Ambulance Service said: "We were called to the incident at 7.45am to a two-vehicle road traffic collision.

"There were two casualties, one was taken to Southmead Hospital with a possible cardiac arrest.

"One was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital, and his injuries are not thought to be serious."