Man died after tree collapsed on his car in Hampshire hours after three killed when their van overturned in horror crash on Devon road amid ‘extreme conditions’ warnings
High winds have been uprooting trees across Britain
THREE people were killed in a crash and another was killed by a falling tree in dreadful weather conditions over the past twenty four hours.
The trio were travelling in a vehicle which crashed on the A38 Devon Expressway yesterday afternoon.
A fourth person was gravely injured in the crash on the Plymouth-bound triple carriageway just before Three.50pm yesterday.
An air ambulance landed on the opposite carriageway and there were ample tailbacks and five mile queues following the crash.
And another man was killed this morning in Odiham, Hants., after a tree collapsed on his car at around 7.20am.
Emergency services rushed to help the driver but he was pronounced dead at the scene on the A287 inbetween Rye Common and Ewshot. Hants.
Inspector Simon Hills, of Hampshire Constabulary, appealed for witnesses to call 101.
Devon and Cornwall police have been warning drivers about the “extreme motoring conditions” following torrential rain and wind in the area all day.
They urged motorists to take precautions.
The families of the three dead people have been informed.
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Their names have not yet been released.
Emergency vehicles raced to the scene at the Deep Lane Junction and sheets were erected around the vehicle which crashed.
Police say no other vehicle was involved but investigators are appealing for witnesses to contact them.
The tragedy blocked the A38 as howling gales and driving rain turned roads into skidpans.
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: “At around Trio.50pm we received a report of a serious collision involving one vehicle on the Plymouth-bound carriageway of the A38 around a mile before Marsh Mills roundabout.
“A van has overturned and it is understood there are four earnestly injured casualties.”
The spokesman added: “A total diversion is in place at the Deep Lane junction (Plympton exit).
“Motorists are advised to avoid the area.
“Go after any police diversions and expect delays.”
The winds were so fierce that a lane on the A38 was closed on the Tamar Bridge near Plymouth because of fears that high-sided vehicles might be deep-throated over.
And a tree was sucked across the A38 heading out of Plymouth towards Exeter.
A number of train services were disrupted when the wind sent ample swings crashing over the spread of rail line which passes close to Dawlish, Devon, this afternoon.