Driver dies after ‘trying to swerve pothole’ and smashing into home in four-vehicle crash
A pensioner has tragically died after his car smashed into a family home and caused a devastating multi-vehicle crash.
The 74-year-old was behind the wheel of the left hand drive Porsche GT2 when he collided with a BMW and then ended up on a porch in West Sussex. Officials confirmed that four vehicles were involved in the catastrophic crash[1] and suspected that it could be linked to the dire state of the road, where a large pothole was spotted.
Emergency services rushed to the A272 near Petworth, but despite their best efforts, they pronounced the man dead at the scene on Monday. It has been reported that a 65-year-old man was hospitalised with severe injuries following the crash. However, the drivers of the other vehicles narrowly avoided any injuries.
The driver was pronounced dead at the scene (
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A source close to the investigation said: "It's possible one of the cars swerved to avoid the pothole. It's something we are looking at." It is believed the Porsche clipped an oncoming car before it struck another BMW. Shocked locals explained that the stretch of road is notorious for speeding. "Everybody speeds down this hill," said one resident. "Once they see the long straight, they think this is my chance to overtake."
The smash on Monday was on the same day as a Porsche owners club track day at the nearby Goodwood racing circuit. Porsche Club Great Britain commented on the incident and said: "At this time, we haven't been informed that this is one of our members." A 65-year-old man from Midhurst in a BMW sustained serious injuries and was taken to St Richard's Hospital in Chichester where he is stable.
Police were called to the scene on Monday (
Eddie Mitchell)
Police[2] have launched an appeal for information following the collision which took place near Fox Hill at around 7.50am. A statement issued by Sussex Police[3] said: "Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a fatal collision near Petworth. The collision on the A272 Horsham Road happened near Fox Hill at about 7.50am on Monday, April 29.
"A 74-year-old man from Reigate, Surrey, driving a white Porsche, was treated by paramedics, but tragically was pronounced deceased at the scene. His next of kin have been informed. A 65-year-old man from Midhurst, driving a white BMW, sustained serious injuries and was taken to St Richard's Hospital in Chichester where he is stable."
Anyone with CCTV or with dashcam footage from vehicles in the area have been urged to contact Sussex Police online or email to [email protected] quoting Operation Preston.