A man has died and a woman has been seriously injured after a lorry carrying timber shed its load in Herefordshire this morning.

The two suffered significant injuries in the incident and the man was found by paramedics in cardiac arrest.

He was transferred to Hereford County Hospital by ambulance, but died shortly after arrival.

The woman, who was found unconscious at the scene, was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham where she received treatment for multiple injuries.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the A465 Belmont Road near to a pedestrian bridge at around 10.30am.

Two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, a senior paramedic officer, a BASICS emergency doctor from the Mercia Accident Rescue Service (MARS) scheme and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival, crews found a lorry which had shed its load of timber.

“Two pedestrians, a woman and a man, had suffered significant injuries. A number of passers-by had stopped to assist at the scene.

“The man was in cardiac arrest. Crews and the doctor immediately commenced advanced life support before he was transferred by land ambulance on blue lights to Hereford County Hospital; resuscitation attempts continued on route.

“Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of ambulance staff and hospital medics nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead shortly after arrival.

“The woman suffered serious multiple injuries and was unconscious. Crews began vital emergency treatment and the doctor anaesthetised her to help stabilise her condition.

"She was then airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, the Region’s specialist trauma centre, for further emergency treatment.

"The doctor and aircrew continued treatment during the flight and on arrival at hospital the woman was said to be in a critical condition.

“The road was closed in both directions by police.”