Appeal for witnesses after 78-year-old driver dies in A35 collision

The incident involved a car and lorry on the A35 at Raymond’s Hill on the Dorset-bound carriageway, close to the Devon and Dorset border.

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Axminster last Friday (June 12) in which a man died.

The incident, at 2.30pm, involved a car and lorry on the A35 at Raymond’s Hill on the Dorset-bound carriageway, close to the Devon and Dorset border.

Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police and Dorset Police attended, along with highways, fire and ambulance crews.

The 78-year-old driver of a blue Volkswagen Polo, from Poole in Dorset, was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.

The 36-year-old man who drove the blue Mercedes lorry was from Bridport, Dorset.

He is not believed to have been injured as a result of the collision.

The Serious Collisions Investigation Unit carried out a forensic examination of the scene.

The road was closed for around ten hours to allow for the examination to take place and the vehicles to be recovered.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to email 101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk, call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 503 of 12 June.

Recently appointed Raymond’s Hill ward councillor, Joy Raymond, a leading campaigner for road safety improvements in the area told The Herald: “I am horrified that there is yet another tragic incident on this stretch of the A35.

“First and foremost I send my condolences to the family. I was in touch with the local MP immediately so that he is aware of this latest terrible happening and for him to please pressure Highways England to hasten their implementation of proposed safety measures along this particular stretch.

“Rest assured I will continue to be a fervent safety campaigner for this road.”