A woman passenger was trapped for about 45 metres after the car in which she was travelling was rammed from behind while stopped at traffic lights at Sylvania overnight.
The woman, who was treated for spinal injuries, was among five people injured in the crash at the intersection of Princes Highway and Box Road about 10.50pm on Monday.
Southbound lanes of the highway were closed for an hour.
A police spokesman said a green Holden Commodore was stopped at a red light in the southbound lanes when it was struck from behind by a Ford Falcon utility.
“As a result of the crash, a female passenger in the Commodore was trapped in the vehicle for about 45 minutes before being freed by emergency services,” he said.
“She was taken to St George Hospital for treatment to spinal and other injuries. She is in a stable condition.
“The three other occupants of the Commodore, including the male driver, another female passenger and a male passenger, were also taken to St George Hospital for treatment to non life threatening injuries.
“The male driver [of the ute] was conveyed to St George Hospital for non life threatening injuries and for mandatory blood and urine tests.
“The southbound lanes of the Princes Highway were closed for an hour while the investigation took place.
“Inquiries into the crash continue.”
