An arrest has been made after a young man and woman from Wiltshire were seriously hurt in a crash – after attending an illegal rave in West Sussex.
Emergency services were called to the A272 in Rogate, near Chichester, following a single-vehicle collision on Sunday afternoon (20 April).
A blue Hyundai i10 reportedly left the carriageway and struck a tree at around 4.10pm.
An 18-year-old man from Wiltshire, who was a passenger in the car, sustained life-changing injuries – including a significant facial wound and a bleed on the brain.
It’s understood he put into a medically induced coma and airlifted to the Southampton General Hospital, where he remains in a serious condition.
A 24-year-old woman from Wiltshire, also a passenger, was taken to St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester. She is believed to have suffered internal injuries, but has since been discharged to recover at home.
At the scene, police arrested a 20-year-old man from Chippenham on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He has been released on bail as the investigation continues.
The driver is also thought to have sustained serious injuries. However, further details are unclear at this stage.
Before the crash, the trio are understood to have been at a large-scale unlicensed music event at Charlton Forest. The incident happened as they travelled towards Southampton to attend another illegal rave.
Full statement from Sussex Police:
“Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a serious collision near Rogate.
“Emergency services were called to the A272 westbound at Rogate at 4.10pm on 20 April.
“The collision involved a single vehicle, a blue Hyundai I10.
“Three people were injured in the collision and were taken to hospital.
“This included an 18-year-old man, a passenger, who sustained life-changing injuries. He was taken to the Southampton General Hospital where he remains.
“A 24-year-old woman, also a passenger, was taken to St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester, and has since been discharged.
“The driver, a 20-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and has been bailed, pending further enquiries.
“Officers are appealing for anyone with information, such as dashcam footage, CCTV or doorbell footage in the area at the time, to come forward.
“Information can be reported to Sussex Police online or email: [email protected] and quote Operation Greencrest.”
