BMW driver dead and seven injured in motorway crash after police pursuit

A 23-year-old BMW driver has died and seven others injured in a multi-car crash on the A21 in Robertsbridge, East Sussex, following a police pursuit on Saturday evening

A BMW driver has tragically lost his life in a multi-vehicle collision following a police pursuit. The 23-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, while seven individuals from the other vehicles were taken to hospital – two of whom are being treated for serious injuries.

The BMW driver failed to stop for police and subsequently collided with three other cars during a chase on the A21 in Robertsbridge, East Sussex, at 8.20pm on Saturday.

Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene and the A21 between Battle and Hurst Green was closed in both directions. Sussex Police have stated that it is likely to remain shut until Monday. As the crash occurred shortly after a police pursuit, the Independent Office for Police Conduct is now investigating the incident, reports the Mirror.

Detective Supt Andy Wolstenholme, of Sussex Police, said: “This was a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the family of this young man and all those affected.

“An investigation is underway to understand the full circumstances and there will be increased police activity in the area while this is ongoing. I would like to thank the public for their patience during the emergency response and for their understanding as our enquiries continue.

“Anyone who has any information that could help the investigation, or relevant dashcam or CCTV footage, is asked to contact police online or via 101, quoting Operation Drummer.”

‘Tragic incident’

An IOPC spokeswoman confirmed they were examining the incident. She said: “We are independently investigating Sussex Police involvement prior to a road traffic collision on the A21, Robertsbridge, in which a member of the public has sadly died.

“The incident took place just after 8.15pm on Saturday. We understand a police patrol car came across a BMW in the Hastings area, which made off from police when requested to stop.

“Following a pursuit, the BMW collided with several other vehicles at Robertsbridge, around six miles north of Hastings. The driver of the BMW, a man in his 20s, died at the scene.

“Other members of the public involved in the incident were taken to hospital for treatment. Our investigation will look at police actions prior to the fatal collision. After being notified by the force, we sent investigators to the police post incident procedures to begin gathering evidence and declared an independent investigation. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident.”

The complete statement from the force read: “The A21 in Robertsbridge remains closed today (12 April) following a serious collision that has now sadly been confirmed as fatal. Emergency services were called to the A21 at around 8.20pm on Saturday (11 April) after a BMW car heading northbound was involved in a collision with three other vehicles.

“The driver of the BMW – a 23-year-old man from Hailsham – was sadly declared deceased at the scene. His next of kin have been informed. Two passengers in another vehicle were taken to hospital with serious injuries, while five other people involved suffered minor injuries requiring hospital treatment.

“The BMW had been involved in a police pursuit shortly before the collision, and a referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who have declared that they will conduct an independent investigation.”