A PENSIONER has died after he was involved in a collision in Mellor.

The incident happened at around 4.40pm on Monday when the 79-year-old’s Ford Fiesta was involved in a crash with a Renault Megane at the junction of Preston New Road and Further Lane.

The man, who is from Mellor but has not been named, was taken to the Royal Preston Hospital with significant head injuries, but later died.

Witnesses said one person stopped and tried to comfort the casualty while he was trapped.

A 28-year-old witness said: “The damage to the vehicles looked really bad and lots of cars were trying to squeeze between the wreckage.

“The man was clearly receiving help from another driver and I could hear the sirens from the emergency services on their way.”

The 34-year-old female driver of the Megane was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital where she was treated for whiplash injuries and shock.

Police closed the road for more than three hours to allow collision investigators to carry out their work, causing traffic problems during the tea time rush hour.

Businesses including the Stanley House Hotel and the Windmill pub were affected as the main thouroughfare to Preston was shut.

Paramedics and the fire brigade were also on the scene.

Police have now launched an investigation into the collision and are appealing for anybody who saw what happened to come forward. Sgt Tracey Ward said: “I believe there may have been a number of other drivers who could have witnessed this collision but didn’t stop at the scene.

“If you were one of them I would be grateful if you could please contact police. If anybody else has any inform-ation which they think could assist with our investigation please come forward.”

Anybody with any information can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org