RESIDENTS described hearing a "loud crash" when two cars and a paramedic vehicle collided. 

A black Ford and a rapid response vehicle collided at the junction with Gilchrist Way and Coldnailhurst Avenue in Braintree. 

The rapid response vehicle was on its way to a cardiac arrest when the incident happened on Wednesday. 

The member of staff from the East of England Ambulance Service was also taken to hospital. 

Witnesses saw a man, woman and young girl climb out of the black car- they did not seem seriously injured. 

A woman, who did not wish to be named, saw the cars collide. 

She said: "The black car was edging out from Gilchrist Way when the paramedic car was coming down with its blue lights on. 

"Neither saw each other, there was also a blue car driving behind the paramedic car. 

"I was waiting to cross the road when it happened, it was a very heavy hit and made a loud bang. 

"It was really scary, especially when you think of how many children cross that road at school time."

A blue Fiat was travelling down the road at the same time and ended up in the collision. 

Another woman said she heard the impact. 

She said: "I was standing at the corner- it was pretty much head-on, I could hear the crash. 

"I stood with the family and spoke to them until the ambulance turned up." 

The incident happened at about 9.30am. 

A spokesman for the ambulance service said: “For the collision we sent an ambulance crew, a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance officer to the scene.

“One of our members of staff was taken to Broomfield Hospital, their injuries do not appear to be serious. 

“There were three patients in the other vehicle who were also taken to Broomfield Hospital for further treatment. 

“Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or serious.”

Braintree and Witham Times: