Girl, 11, suffers life-changing injuries in Devon crash and airlifted to hospital

An 11-year-old girl sustained life-changing injuries in a collision on the A30 eastbound near Tedburn St Mary, by Fingle Glen junction, in Devon, according to local authorities. The accident occurred at approximately 12:40 pm on Thursday, August 20, 2026. The crash involved a Volkswagen Polo and a Ford Ranger. The girl, who is from Monmouth in South Wales, was a passenger in the Polo and was airlifted to Bristol Children’s Hospital by air ambulance. She remains there under medical care. The incident took place on the A30, which is a major road connecting Exeter to Plymouth. The crash resulted in multiple casualties. In addition to the injured girl, the female driver of the Polo and two other children from the same vehicle were taken to Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital with minor injuries. The woman, also from Monmouth, is still receiving treatment in hospital. All four individuals involved in the crash are from Monmouth, Wales. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene. The A30 was temporarily closed following the collision, disrupting traffic in both directions. The road was fully reopened by 8:40 pm the same evening. Authorities have confirmed that the area is now clear for travel, though drivers are advised to remain cautious in the region due to ongoing investigations into the cause of the crash. Devon and Cornwall Police stated they are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the collision. Officers from the Roads Policing Team are examining evidence and seeking witness statements. They have issued a public appeal for anyone with information, particularly dashcam footage, to come forward. Individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact police through their official website or by calling 101, referencing log number 370 of 20/08/26 or occurrence number 50260222614. Witnesses and nearby residents are urged to provide any observations or recordings that could assist in understanding how the crash occurred. The police have not yet released further details regarding the cause of the collision, citing the ongoing nature of the inquiry. However, they emphasized the importance of community cooperation in ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the incident. Local media outlets, including Wales Online, have reported on the case, highlighting the severity of the injuries sustained by the young girl. While the exact nature of her injuries has not been disclosed, the involvement of an air ambulance suggests the seriousness of the situation. The child’s condition remains critical, and family members are currently awaiting updates from hospital staff. As the investigation progresses, authorities will likely release more information in the coming days. The incident underscores the potential dangers of high-speed collisions on busy roads, particularly involving vehicles carrying vulnerable passengers. Road safety campaigns may gain renewed attention in light of this tragedy, prompting calls for increased awareness and caution among drivers.