Woman dies in fire engine crash in Basildon Published duration 9 September 2011

A woman died when her car collided with a fire engine responding to an emergency call in Essex.

The fire engine had just left Basildon station en route to another crash when it collided with a Toyota Yaris in Broadmayne.

Essex Police said it was called by the fire service to Broadmayne just before 09:00 BST and the woman was confirmed dead at the scene.

The fire service said those involved were "extremely distressed and shaken".

Officers have closed the road and urged witnesses to contact them.

The fire service said: "The appliance was responding to a road traffic collision in Ashlyns, Basildon, where an 11-year-old child was trapped in a vehicle."

It said fire crews used cutting equipment to free the woman.

'Extremely distressed'

Senior divisional officer Mark Wilson, who heads Essex fire service's west command, said: "We would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family of the woman involved in this terrible accident.

"Although full and thorough investigations will be carried out by both the police and fire service, it is important to remember today that this family is suffering a tragic loss and all of our thoughts are with them.

"We will offer them our support in any way it is needed.

"Members of the crew, although unhurt, are extremely distressed and shaken by this tragic incident.