Fatal four-car crash near Petworth

Emergency services at the scene of a fatal crash on the A272 near Petworth. Photo by Eddie Mitchell

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident at around 6.20pm between Brookfield Lane and Dean Lane, Tillington.

A black BMW 323i travelling east was in head-on collision with a black Fiat Panda before striking an eastbound red Nissan Qashqai which then hit a roadside tree, police said.

A grey Ford Mondeo driven by a 40-year-old Worthing man was also involved in the incident but no damage or injury resulted, police added.

The driver of the Fiat, a 59-year-old woman from Easebourne, Midhurst, sadly died at the scene, a police spokesperson said.

The BMW driver, aged 20 and from Southwater, Horsham, sustained a broken ankle and the Nissan driver, a 44-year-old man from Brighton, a grazed arm, the spokesperson added. Both were treated at St Richard’s Hospital, Chichester.

The A272 was closed in both directions either side of the scene until just before 1.30am.

Police wish to thank drivers whose journeys were affected for their patience and understanding.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or saw any of the vehicles involved being driven shortly beforehand is asked to email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or phone 101, quoting Operation Abcott.

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