FIREFIGHTERS used cutting gear to remove the roof of a car in a three vehicle pile up this morning which caused traffic chaos on Skipton by-pass.

The wreckage blocked the A65 causing tailbacks and diversions in both directions, creating long delays.

Motorists were urged to use other routes if possible.

 The road was reported to have re-opened just after 1pm.

The road was blocked in both directions between the Grassington Road roundabout and the roundabout that joins the A59.

It has been reported that there have been no serious injuries as a resuly of the crash.

The accident happened about 600 yards beyond Skipton Golf Club towards Ilkley at 9.45am.

The crash is understood to have happened as one vehicle, heading in the direction of Ilkley, crossed the carriageway.

An occupant of one of the cars heading in the opposite direction towards Skipton said: "The car in front of us was in a head-on with a car which was on the wrong side of the road. He had no chance. And we were hit by him."

Martyn Hughes, Craven and Harrogate district support officer and Watch Manager at Skipton fire station for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, was on the scene this morning.

He said fire crews from Skipton and Ripon along with police vehicles and an ambulance were at the scene.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has advised motorists to avoid the road if they can.


Martyn Hughes, Craven and Harrogate district support officer and Watch Manager at Skipton fire station for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, was on the scene this morning.

He tweeted: "On scene at a serious rtc a65 skipton. Avoid the area if possible. Long delays likely."

One firefighter has tweeted that there have been no serious injuries in the accident.

Ben Cairns, A59 road closed nr Skipton Golf Club due to RTC fortunately no serious injuries