Tributes paid to driver killed in Clanfield crash

The crash took place in Old Mill Lane, Clanfield, at about 7.17pm on Monday evening.

The driver of the Ford Transit, who was in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene, police confirmed.

Officers have launched an appeal for information about the incident, with local councillors describing the crash as ‘a tragedy’.

Paula Langford-Smith is the vice chairman of Denmead Parish Council and said she was saddened by the news.

‘I’m shocked to hear about the fatal crash in Old Mill Lane,’ she told The News.

‘Normally this is a very quiet and safe road to travel along. So yes, it is a tragedy.

‘It’s incredibly sad and my thoughts go out to the man’s family.’

She added recent figures compiled by the community speed watch scheme showed there were no serious accidents in the road.

‘People do tend to drive reasonably carefully around the Denmead area,’ she said.

‘There have been no accidents recorded in Old Mill Lane. There have been accidents elsewhere but fortunately none have been fatal.’

The man’s truck is reported to have come off the road before hitting the tree.

Firefighters from Waterlooville and Horndean rushed to the crash site but there was nothing they could do to save the driver.

People have since taken to Facebook to pay tribute.

Ady Burridge wrote: ‘RIP, another star in our skies x.’

Michelle Challis and Sean Allen also sent their condolences to the man’s family.

Molly Lambell was shocked by the news and said: ‘How many truck accidents have there been in our area recently? I’ve counted at least six and most were fatal.

‘RIP to all the deceased and my heart goes out to the family, friends and emergency services involved.’

The man’s identity has not yet been revealed by police.

Witnesses should call 101, quoting 44160403815.

The fatality is the third on the area’s roads in almost as many months.

Earlier this month 55-year-old David Ifould, of Andover, died in a crash on the A27 near Bosham. Oliver Walton, 25, of Southsea, died in a crash on the A3 (M) in July.