A woman in her 20s was killed in a crash on the A140 which left three others with potentially life-changing injuries.

The crash happened on the A140 at Stoke Ash at 5am Monday, July 6, and involved a silver Volkswagen Golf and a white Peugeot Boxer van.

Five Suffolk fire crews were called to the scene near the junction with Church Lane, where they helped release three occupants of the Golf and the driver of the van.

A woman in her 20s, a rear seat passenger in the Golf, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver and front seat passenger, both males, have sustained potentially life-changing injuries and were taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for treatment.

The driver of the van has also suffered potentially life-changing injuries and has been taken to Norfolk and Norwich Hospital for treatment.

The road remains closed in both directions while an investigation takes place.

Reverend Canon Julia Lall, rector of South Hartismere Benefice, described the incident as “horrific”.

She said: “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved with the crash.

“They are not just with the person who has sadly died, as there are others who have suffered life-changing injuries.”

A nearby resident, who wished to remain anonymous, added: “This is tragic news. I think the A140 is still a notorious road – I was only driving along it last weekend.’’

The resident called for police patrols to be stepped up along the road and more speed cameras in a bid to make it safer for motorists.

Witnesses to the collision, or those who may have captured the crash on dashcam, are asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference CAD 48 of July 6.