Swanage man dies following a road traffic collision in High Street

Dorset police are appealing for witnesses to come forward following a fatal road traffic incident in the High Street opposite the Snack Bar in Swanage.

Police were called at 11.20 am on Thursday 15th October 2020, when a Skoda Yeti car crashed into two parked vehicles – a Ford Transit van and a BMW 520 car.

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Sadly the Skoda driver, an 83 year old man from Swanage, died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.

Witnesses say that it’s believed the man suffered a heart attack while driving. His car then had a low-speed impact with the vehicles parked outside Jenkins newsagents. The crash set off a small fire which was extinguished by quick thinking locals with buckets of water.

High Street Swanage

Air ambulance paramedics, ambulance crew, police and fire crew all attended

The road was closed for two hours while emergency services attended to the man. Air ambulance paramedics, ambulance crew, police and fire crew were all at the scene.

A police investigation into the exact cause of the crash will now take place.

Police Sergeant Sarah Jones, of the traffic unit, said:

“Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly died.

“We are carrying out a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the collision and I would like to hear from any witnesses who have not spoken with police yet or anyone with relevant dashcam footage.

“I am grateful for the patience of anyone affected by the road closure, which is necessary to allow the emergency services to respond to this incident and for an examination of the scene to be carried out safely.”

air ambulance
High Street closed by police

Appeal for witnesses

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email SCIT@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 15:133.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111.

Police cars in High Street
Police officer in High Street
air ambulance

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