Man killed, three critical in crash (From Halesowen News)

Man killed, three critical in crash

10:12pm Friday 6th July 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

A man has died while a mother, father and two-year-old-child are in a "critical life threatening condition" in hospital following a head-on collision.

The high speed crash happened on Hamelin Way in Torquay, Devon, at around 2.45pm on Friday.

The incident took place between Gallows Gate and Kerswell Gardens and involved a black Vauxhall Vectra, driven by a Polish national, and a family car. The family are believed to be from the Republic of Ireland. Police are working to contact their next of kin.

The incident was witnessed by a police officer in a vehicle and the officer was on the scene immediately. Ambulance and fire services also went to the scene.

The occupants of the cars were taken to Torbay hospital in Torquay and Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.

The driver of the Vectra was arrested at the scene before being taken to hospital, where he died.

Paul Netherton, Assistant Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, described the incident as "extremely traumatic". He said the force has family liaison officers with the family of the Polish national, who was a resident of Torquay.

He said: "It was a head-on collision at speed. The black Vectra was coming down the hill and appears to have swerved into the path of the oncoming car. All members of the family are in a critical life-threatening condition in Derriford and Torbay Hospitals.

"We are trying to identify their next of kin in southern Ireland to inform them, and the next of kin for the gentleman who has died have been informed and our thoughts are obviously with the families involved at this time."

Mr Netherton said because a police officer witnessed the crash the force has referred the matter to the IPCC as a matter of course.