Man dies after lorry crash on A27 Brighton Bypass

A car passenger who was injured in a crash on the A27 Brighton Bypass last week has died in hospital.

The 79-year-old man was the front seat passenger in a black Vauxhall Zafira which was hit by a lorry near the Southwick Tunnel just after 1pm last Thursday (25 July).

The man, from Hassocks, was flown by air ambulance to Southampton General Hospital with head injuries.

His condition was initially assessed as serious but not life threatening but his condition worsened and he died in hospital yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 30 July).

The driver of the lorry, a 44-year-old man from Doncaster, was treated at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton for minor injuries.

He was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving and released on bail until Monday 16 September while police inquiries continue.

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

After the collision the eastbound lorry crossed the central reservation and overturned, blocking the westbound side of the road.

The eastbound carriageway had to be closed because of the damage to the central barrier and the wreckage of the Vauxhall.

It is believed that the people carrier was travelling slowly, possibly with its hazard warning lights flashing, about half a mile east of the Southwick Tunnel when it was hit.

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 Sussex Police on 101 or email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk.