A firefighter was still in hospital today after a pile-up involving six vehicles.

The smash left seven people injured, including five crew from Eastbourne fire station and two members of the public.

Their condition is not thought to be serious.

Part of Kings Drive, near the Eastbourne District General Hospital roundabout, was closed by police as rush-hour traffic was at its height last night.

Staff at the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service headquarters, based in Eastbourne, said today the collision had involved one fire engine, four cars and a flatbed lorry.

A brigade spokeswoman said: "We still have one firefighter in hospital.

"All five went in but four were released throughout the night.

"The two members of the public had minor injuries.

"The crew was on the way to a call in Holly Place. It was not a hoax call, as has been suggested, but a false alarm where some food had overheated."

She said that after the 6pm crash, the night shift had been covered by firefighters left at the station and help was on hand from retained crews in Pevensey and Hailsham.

One crew member said: "Our colleagues seem to be doing well and that's really what matters."

A police cordon remained across Kings Drive late into the night, diverting cars around the scene.

Equipment from the fire engine was unloaded and the damaged vehicles were removed before the road could eventually be re-opened.

Drivers this morning could see no sign of last night's devastation.

Even after the smash, firefighters back at the station were kept busy with calls to more overheated food and a person locked out of a property in the early hours of this morning.

Police are investigating the crash and any witnesses are asked to contact Polegate road traffic police on 0845 6070999.