Probe into A49 crash tragedy

An investigation was under way today after a van crashed into a tree on the A49 near Church Stretton, leaving one man dead and two others injured – one seriously.

The Mercedes Sprinter van careered off the road while travelling south between All Stretton and Church Stretton yesterday.

A man in his 50s from the Birmingham area, who was sitting in the back of the van, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver, a man in his 40s, was trapped for about an hour-and-a-half.

He was cut free and airlifted to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital to be treated for 'life threatening' leg, pelvic and head injuries. He was today in a stable condition. A third man suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

Police are appealing for the driver of a lorry travelling south on the A49 at the time to come forward.

The road was closed for several hours after the accident at about 10.30am.

Richard Ewels, for West Mercia Police, said: "We particularly want to make contact with the driver of a lorry which we believe may have been immediately in front of the van.

"The van may have been following this lorry which had a blue panel on its back end and may have pulled out as if to overtake it just before losing control."

John Hawker, for West Midlands Air Ambulance, said: "The man in the back of the van went into traumatic cardiac arrest at the scene.

"Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of ambulance staff and the doctor in attendance, nothing could be done to save the man."

Call Shrewsbury or Ludlow police stations on 101.

See also:

• Man killed in A49 road crash