TWO men were taken to hospital following a crash between a fire engine and two cars in Frankley.

The collision happened on Illey Lane, just after 9.40am this morning (Thursday, May 28).

The fire engine, which was from Northfield Community Fire Station, was carrying five firefighters and was not responding to an emergency at the time of the collision.

Two men from one of the cars were taken to hospital for injuries not believed to be life threatening after being freed by two other fire crews and medics at the scene.

None of the firefighters sustained any apparent physical injuries and the circumstances of the incident are under investigation.

A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said: "Just after 9.40am on Thursday 28 May 2020 one of our fire engines was in a collision involving two cars in Illey Lane, Frankley.

"The engine, from Northfield Community Fire Station, was carrying five firefighters. It was not responding to an emergency.

"Two further fire engines subsequently attended the scene. Crews released two men from one of the cars, and they were taken to hospital by West Midlands Ambulance Service for treatment.

"None of the firefighters sustained any apparent physical injuries.

"The circumstances of the incident are under investigation."

A spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We were called by the fire service at 9:43am to an RTC involving a car and fire engine on Illey Lane in Halesowen.

"We sent two ambulances, two paramedic officers and a BASICS doctor to the scene. On arrival, crews found two patients, both men in the car. They were extricated from the vehicle with help from the fire service.

"Both were treated for injuries not believed to be life threatening and taken to the QE Hospital in Birmingham for further treatment.”

The road was closed following the incident, with police warning drivers to avoid the area, but has since reopened.