Hassocks man dies following A27 collision

The 79-year old Hassocks man was the front seat passenger in a black Vauxhall Zafira which was in collision with a lorry on the eastbound carriageway of the A27 east of the Southwick tunnel shortly after 1pm on Thursday July 25.

He was taken by air ambulance to Southampton General Hospital with head injuries, and his condition was initially assessed as serious but not life threatening.

However his condition then worsened and he died in hospital yesterday (Tuesday July 30) afternoon.

The 44-year-old driver of lorry, from Doncaster, was treated at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton for minor injuries and was then arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving.

He was later released on bail until September 16 while police enquiries continue.

The 49-year-old male driver of the Vauxhall, also from Hassocks, suffered leg and chest injuries and was also taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital for treatment. He was later discharged.

After the collision the lorry crossed the central reservation and turned over, blocking the westbound carriageway while the eastbound carriageway had to be closed because of the damage to the barrier and the wreckage of the Vauxhall.

It is believed that the car was travelling slowly, possibly with its hazard warning lights flashing, about half a mile east of the Southwick Tunnel when the incident happened.

Police are still keen to speak to any drivers who saw the collision take place or who saw either of the vehicles involved in the minutes beforehand.”

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting serial 813 of 25/7. You can also email ‘[email protected]’