Three Dead In A1 Horror

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), Sept 24, 2007

THREE pensioners died after a horror smash on the A1.

Their Rover was crossing the A1 at Swarland, near Alnwick, at 1.30pm on Saturday when it collided with a Saab on the northbound stretch of the dual carriage way.

Firefighters had to cut the three occupants free from the Rover car.

Stanley Loftus, 82, of Vale House, Jesmond, Newcastle, and Harold Fox, 76, of Swarland, Northumberland, both died at the scene.

A third person, Mary Fox, 71, died later after being flown to Newcastle General Hospital. The 56-year-old driver of the Saab, who suffered a broken leg, broken arm and broken ribs, managed to pull himself free of the wreckage seconds before it burst into flames.

He was taken to Newcastle General Hospital where his condition is described as serious but stable.

The road was closed for several hours.

Sgt Phil Reid, who is leading the crash investigation, said: "This is horrific and our sympathy goes to their families. The driver of the Saab was very lucky to get out of his car. It was a miracle. We do not know if the Rover was going to turn right for Newcastle or go straight across to Amble and the coast.

"The Saab T-boned into the middle of the Rover car. You could not get more central."

Northumberland county councillor Trevor Thorne said he would be raising the issue of road safety at the crossing with county highways officers.

Police have appealed for witnesses to call them on 0845-604 3043, extension 61374 or 61326.

CAPTION(S):

TRAGEDY: Police and firemen work at the scene where three people were killed in a two-car collision