A man was struck by a lorry moments after he crashed his car on the A350 in Chippenham.
Members of the public rushed to help a Toyota driver when his vehicle wiped out a lamppost and came to rest in a ditch at around 5am this morning (3 March).
But they were reportedly met by a man in ‘distress’. Despite their efforts to help him, he is said to have escaped their clutches and ran out onto the live carriageway.
Almost immediately, he was struck by a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) and was soon after pronounced dead at the scene.
The major bypass was closed for most of the day as forensic collision investigation work was carried out. It reopened at shortly before 5pm.
Wiltshire Police has confirmed the driver was a man in his 30s from the Chippenham area.
In a statement, the force said: “We were called to a single-vehicle road traffic collision involving a Toyota Yaris on the A350 near Chippenham between Sandown Drive and Bumpers Farm this morning at approximately 5am.
“We regret to report that a local man in his 30s, who had left the vehicle, was struck by a HGV and was pronounced dead at the scene.
“His next of kin have been informed by specialist officers and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
“The driver of the lorry has been taken to a safe location and is also being supported by specialist officers.
“The road was closed between Bumpers Farm roundabout and Cepen Park South roundabout in both directions for most of today.
“Police left the scene a short while ago and a Highways team were due to reopen it at around 4.30pm.”
Witnesses or anyone who was on the A350 around the same time who may have dashcam footage is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit directly by calling 01225 694597 and quoting log number 25 of 3 March.
You can also email [email protected] including the log number and the date in the email subject.
