Totton man who died in New Forest van crash is named
Joshua Longman, of Jacobs Gutter Lane, died after the crash on Main Road in Dibden Purlieu on Wednesday, November 29[1]. An inquest into his death was opened at Winchester[2] Coroners’ Court today. The inquest heard that Mr Longman, 20, was driving a silver Ford Fiesta and hit a Mercedes Sprinter van.
It happened at the bottom of a short hill between Dibden Golf Centre and Main Road’s junction with Claypits Lane. The crash, which happened shortly before 7.40am and shut the road for eight hours, resulted in all three emergency services being called to the scene. Mr Longman’s cause of death was given as multiple injuries, due to a road traffic collision, the inquest heard.
Senior coroner Christopher Wilkinson adjourned the case for a full inquest to be held at Winchester Coroners’ Court on August 2 next year. The driver of the Mercedes, a 40-year-old man from Dibden Purlieu, was arrested on suspicion of drink and drug driving. He was later released under investigation.
On the day of the crash, a Main Road resident said: “I heard a bang and then all the traffic stopped – I knew that had happened because there’s normally a constant noise. “The road remained closed while the highways people dealt with diesel and broken glass on the road.” One of the people involved in the crash was cut free from the wreckage by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.
Posting on social media, Hardley Fire Station said: “We were mobilised to an RTC trapped, alongside crews from Hythe and Redbridge fire stations, involving two private vehicles along Main Road in Dibden. “The road was closed in both directions. “Rapid extrication completed on one casualty, quickly handing them over to South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust for treatment.
“Scene handed over to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary for investigation and recovery actions.”
Police launched a witness appeal and anyone with relevant information or footage should call 101 or report online via their website, quoting 44230487842.
References
- ^ the crash on Main Road in Dibden Purlieu on Wednesday, November 29 (www.dailyecho.co.uk)
- ^ Winchester (www.dailyecho.co.uk)