A WOMAN needed hospital treatment and commuters were left facing chaos after a crash near Worcester today.

The accident happened just before 7.40am at Wichenford, when a white Rover 216 was in collision with a First Midland Red bus at the junction of Willow Road, near the Mason's Arms pub.

Traffic rapidly built up in the rush hour as paramedics, police and the fire service tended to the injured woman, who had to be cut free.

"Thankfully, the bus was out of service," said Sub Officer Richard Jordan, of Worcester fire station, who led the rescue operation.

"There was one female who was complaining of back injuries in the car so we had to cut her out."

He added the woman, who has not been named, was carried out on a spinal board, for precautionary measures, before being taken to Worcester Royal Infirmary.

The bus driver was unhurt.

Meanwhile, a pedestrian was killed after being in an accident with an HGV on the A4103 near Hereford at 1.35am today. He was seen kneeling in the road.

A Hereford police spokeswoman said the man, thought to be in his 20s, died of multiple injuries.

Hereford police are asking for any witnesses to contact PC Gareth Davies on 01432 276422.