Witness appeal over fatal smash on A59 (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Witness appeal over fatal smash on A59

3:36pm Friday 28th March 2008 in News By Ben Briggs

WITNESSES have been asked to help police discover what caused a fatal head-on smash on the A59.

Sameer Vohra, 34, of Blackburn, died when his silver BMW car collided with a Daf HGV on the A59, Samlesbury, just before 1.30pm yesterday.

The female passenger of the BMW was airlifted to Royal Preston Hospital with serious but non life threatening injuries.

A Peugeot people carrier ran in to the back of the car and three people were treated for minor injuries.

In the wake of the tragedy, BAE Systems revealed there were plans to install a mini roundabout at the junction of the A59 and Myerscough Smithy Road - very close to where Mr Vohra died.

The roundabout, which may have prevented the accident, was agreed when BAE granted planning approval for its aerospace park last year.

Sergeant David Tonge, who is leading the investigation, said: "I would like to appeal to anybody who may have seen the collision, or any of the vehicles in the moments before, to contact police.

Any amount of information may help us to find out exactly what happened."

Malcolm Adams, of BAE Systems, said it was a dreadful accident and numerous workers had heard the bang made by the impact of the vehicles.

He said: "A mini-roundabout and cycle lane will be installed along that stretch of road.

"The new entrance we are building further up the road will offer safer entry and exit which is a major issue for us."

Chris Holtom, county councillor for the Samlesbury area, said the accident was confirmation of his worst fears regarding the stretch of road.

He added: "From the Trafalgar junction to the Mellor Brook roundabout this is one of the most dangerous roads in Lancashire.

"This death shows the real threat this road can have.

"There are major safety concerns on this stretch and I am working very closely with BAE to make sure any alterations are done properly.

"I don't think people realise how dangerous that road is.

"I use it regularly and often I seem to be the only one driving at a sensible speed."

A worker at the Boddington Arms pub, near to the scene, said she had struggled to get in to work following the smash.

She said: "I came down Cuerdale Lane and it was all blocked off.

"And when I got to Mellor Brook I had to tell them I worked down here, for them to let me through.

Anyone with information is asked to ring Lancashire Police on 08451 253545.