Fatal Road Collision Near Shrewsbury – Police Renew Witness Appeal

Police investigating yesterday's fatal road collision between a car and an ambulance on the A49 near Shrewsbury, today made a fresh appeal for witnesses.

The driver of a blue Volkswagen Golf GTI, a man in his twenties, died in the crash which happened at Preston Brockhurst between Shrewsbury and Whitchurch shortly before 1.45pm.

A young woman who was a front seat passenger in the car, suffered multiple injuries and was airlifted to hospital in Stoke where her condition is critical but stable.

Three women in the Wet Midlands Ambulance Service vehicle were also injured.  The driver was airlifted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and a paramedic together with a woman patient, were taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

The patient was being taken to the hospital following an earlier road collision but the ambulance was not travelling under blue lights.

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said today: "We are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to the collision and appeal for witnesses to contact Shrewsbury police station.

"The VW Golf was travelling northwards from Shrewsbury towards Whitchurch and the yellow Vauxhall Movano ambulance in the opposite direction towards Shrewsbury.

"We want to hear from anyone who saw the actual collision or either of the two vehicles being driven just before it happened.  They should contact the police as a mater of urgency by calling 0300 333 3000."

The man who died has not yet been formally identified.  The Shropshire coroner Mr John Ellery has been informed and an inquest will be opened in due course.

The main A49 was closed for several hours and diversions set up while the emergency services worked at the scene.

Issued: Friday, 03 August 2012