A WOMAN has died and four men have been taken to hospital after a car and a van crashed in Herefordshire.

The incident happened on the A438 near Stoke Edith, between Ledbury and Hereford, shortly before 7am this morning.

Two ambulances and a rapid response vehicle were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a car and a van which had been involved in a serious collision.

“The driver of the car, a woman, suffered significant injuries in the crash. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of ambulance crews, nothing could be done to save the woman and she was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The driver and three passengers of the van, all men believed to be in their 20s, suffered cuts and bruises and one had a minor head injury.

“All four were treated at the scene by crews before being taken by land ambulance to Hereford County Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

Police officers are directing traffic in the area but it is anticipated the road will be closed for most of the day.