The van was in the prime minister's convoy to the airport

No 10 says press officer Ian Gleason hurt his shoulder in the accident.

And Press Association political editor Jon Smith broke his collar bone, although he has now left hospital.

Mr Blair continued to the airport to leave for the Indian leg of his trip to the Far East. His vehicle was not affected by the crash.

Tyre blow out?

Downing Street says it has no information about how the accident happened.

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But Kirsty Wigglesworth, an Associated Press photographer who was aboard the minibus, said it was travelling at about 70mph when a tyre apparently punctured.

The van rolled over and slid along the road, before stopping on the hard shoulder.

In a statement, Downing Street said: "Jon Smith of the Press Association is concussed and has been taken to hospital. He is not seriously hurt.

"Ian Gleason, a Downing Street aide, has hurt his shoulder and has also been taken to hospital. They are accompanied by British Embassy staff."

The Press Association later reported Mr Smith's broken bone.