A STRETCH of the A78 has reopened after a crash that has left a woman in a critical condition.

The female is in hospital after her car crashed into a lamppost close to Hunterston power station.

The incident happened at around 5.50am today on the A78 Fairlie to Largs road. The road was closed for several hours, but reopened just after 1pm.

She was taken to University Hospital Crosshouse in Kilmarnock.

Staff have described her condition as critical.

The road has been closed in both directions at the Hunterston Roundabout.  

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 5.52am on Tuesday, August 23 to reports that a car had collided with a lamppost and was potentially on fire, on the A78 Fairlie to Largs road at the Hunterston roundabout.

“Three appliances were immediately mobilised to the scene. The fire had already been extinguished.

“Firefighters worked to release a female casualty from the vehicle.“

The woman was thereafter transferred into the care of Scottish Ambulance Service colleagues.

“SFRS crews ensured the area was made safe before leaving the scene at 6.28am.”