AN 88-YEAR-OLD woman from Poole is fighting for life after a collision with a bus on the A351 in Sandford, near Wareham yesterday.

Dorset Police closed the road for around three hours following the collision outside Sandford First School. 

The woman, a pedestrian, sustained serious head injuries.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said nine officers were intially sent to the scene along with paramedics.

The road was closed westbound from the Bakers Arms roundabout with other closures on the roundabout by the middle school and Sandford Road junction with Morden Road.

The closure has caused major tailbacks. As of 6pm, the road was expected to re-open imminently.

Dorset Police have thanked the public for their co-operation while the road is closed, especially with Swanage Carnival this afternoon.

There are likely to be major delays in the area as a result of the road closures. 

Sgt Stuart Pitman of Dorset Police said the injured woman had suffered life-threatening injuries.

He said there were around 15 passengers on the Wilts and Dorset bus at the time of the collision. None of the passengers nor the driver were injured but the driver was treated for shock

Sgt Pitman appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to contact police on 101.

"I’d like to thank residents for their patience during our investigation," he added.

"I’d also like to thank the passers-by who helped the lady."

A Wilts & Dorset Buses spokesman says the company is doing all it can to help police with their investigation into the collision.

A spokesman said: “The company is helping the police with the investigation as much as possible including supplying CCTV footage.

“The company hopes the woman makes a fast and full recovery.”