An accident which claimed the life of a 43-year-old woman yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon was a “stark reminder” of the dangers of rural roads.

Sgt Phil Priestley of Ely Police Station said on the Policing East Cambs Facebook page: “Statistically rural driving is more challenging than urban or suburban driving. Drivers in our region face more risks and hazards. The consequences of mistakes made on these roads can be life altering or fatal.

“The events of yesterday evening have given us a stark reminder that we all have to try that bit harder to stay safe. We offer our sincere condolences to the friends and family of the lady who passed away yesterday.”

The crash happened on the A142 at around 4.30pm and led to the Sutton roundabout being closed as a consequence. The route remained closed until around 10pm.

The woman was travelling as a passenger in an Jaguar X Type which was in collision with a Ford Transit van.

The car driver suffered minor injuries, and a baby girl who was also a passenger was taken to hospital but was unharmed.

The van driver suffered minor injuries.

Sgt Priestley said: “To compound matters, a further RTC was reported within an hour from the A142 at Witcham Toll involving four more vehicles - a Mercedes C Class, an Audi A4, A VW Golf, and a Vauxhall Astra.

“The Mercedes ended up in a roadside ditch and is likely to be a write off.”

A Police Support Unit happened to be passing as this crash was being reported.

PC Matt Smith, of Cambridge District stated: “The damage was very heavy and it was remarkable that everyone walked away shaken but unhurt.”

And Sgt Priestley continued: “Naturally we received a number of questions through social media asking why the traffic on the roads of East Cambridgeshire was so congested - unfortunately the answers are not happy ones.”