Lorry driver dies in Brighton crash

A lorry driver died after crashing into parked cars, a camper van and a wall in Brighton this morning (Thursday 5 January).

Six homes were evacuated after a gas main was ruptured in the accident as the lorry demolished the wall in front of a row of terraced houses.

The accident happened at about 11.30am in Queen’s Park Road, near the junction with Elm Grove.

Fire crews from Preston Circus and Lewes helped to free the driver from his lorry as a 50-yard cordon was set up in Queen’s Park Road.

The 62-year-old lorry driver, from Ashford in Kent, was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton but could not be saved.

Sussex Police said: “Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision and the coroner’s officer has been informed.

“The man’s large goods vehicle collided with a series of parked cars, which damaged the wall of a series of houses and resulted in damage to the gas mains.

“East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and the gas board attended and police assisted with the evacuation of six houses in the interest of public safety.

“Anyone with information about the collision is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101.”