An investigation was launched by Sussex Police after a 74-year-old man died in a fatal crash near the village of Petworth on April 29. The man had suffered a medical episode while driving and was pronounced dead at the scene after his car collided with another vehicle. The incident involved four vehicles, and despite the efforts of paramedics, the man died before he could be taken to the hospital. Another man, aged 65, was taken to the hospital for treatment following the crash.
Initial reports suggested that the crash may have been caused by potholes, and the local council took action to fill them in after the incident. It was revealed that the council had been warned about potholes on the same road where the crash occurred. Concerned individuals had informed the council about large potholes that were causing vehicles to veer into the opposite carriageway. There were reports of multiple damages to vehicles due to the potholes, raising concerns about road safety.
Following a post-mortem examination, Sussex Police confirmed that the man had died after suffering a medical episode while driving. The investigation into the fatal collision near Petworth concluded with this finding. The collision involved four vehicles, including a white Porsche, a white BMW, a black BMW, and a white Audi. The 74-year-old driver from Reigate, Surrey, passed away at the scene, while a 65-year-old man from Midhurst sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries and was treated at the hospital.
While initial speculation suggested the crash may have been due to potholes, the police investigation determined that a medical episode was the cause of the incident. The authorities launched Operation Preston to look into the collision, and the case was closed after the post-mortem examination results. Concerns about road safety and maintenance were raised following reports of repeated warnings to the council about the potholes on the road. The tragic accident highlighted the importance of addressing road hazards and ensuring safe driving conditions to prevent such incidents in the future.
The fatal crash near Petworth involving a 74-year-old driver prompted an investigation that led to the discovery of the man’s cause of death. Despite the initial speculation about potholes contributing to the crash, the police confirmed that a medical episode while driving was responsible. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of driving under certain medical conditions and the need for regular road maintenance to prevent accidents. The authorities’ response to the incident highlighted the importance of addressing road safety concerns and implementing measures to ensure the well-being of all road users.
