Car crash victim dies as ambulance leaves road

Daniel Martin, 31, of Grange Close, Horam, was so seriously injured he needed to be treated by both ambulance crew following a crash on the A271 at Boreham Street on Friday afternoon.

Mr Martin’s Mini had collided with a Highways flatbed vehicle, and the decision was taken to let the police officer drive the ambulance to Eastbourne District General Hospital while the crew treated the patient.

En route the ambulance left the road at Standard Hill, Ninfield, and collided with a bush.

The police helicopter and Kent Air Ambulance attended the second crash, where Mr Martin was pronounced dead. One of the ambulance crew was treated at hospital for minor injuries.

Police say an officer driving an ambulance is unusual, but assistance can and will be given by police when medical staff need to concentrate full-time on treating their patient.

The Highways vehicle in the first crash was carrying road equipment and operated by a contractor on behalf of East Sussex County Council.

Shortly after the accidents Detective Chief Inspector Mike Ashcroft said: “This is a complex series of interlinked events, which happened during adverse weather conditions.

“A detailed investigation involving Forensic Collision Investigators is continuing against a backdrop of worsening weather.

“Our thoughts are with the deceased man’s family.

“The road was closed for several hours and I would like to thank drivers for their patience. I would also urge anyone who could help us better understand what happened to get in touch.”

• A 36-year-old man from St Leonards-on-Sea, who was driving the Highways vehicle, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and was released on police bail until February 17.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has confirmed it will not be launching an investigation into the incident - Sussex Police will be managing enquiries itself.

An East Sussex County Council spokesman said: “As there is a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident we cannot comment further at this stage.

“However this is an extremely tragic situation and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family of the man who has died.”

Witnesses to either collision should call Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting Operation Dunloy.

LEFT: The scene of the crash in Ninfield

• Community rallies round - see Ninfield Village Voice on page eight.