Porsche driver 'killed swerving pothole’ died from medical episode, say cops

13 May 2024 , 16:50

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A driver died after suffering a medical episode at the wheel (Image: SUSSEX NEWS AND PICTURES)

A 74-year-old Porsche driver involved in a fatal crash believed to be caused by potholes died from a medical episode at the wheel, police have said.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene after his left-hand-drive Porsche 911 GT2 hit a BMW near the Sussex village of Petworth on April 29. The incident happened at about 7.50am in the morning and involved four vehicles.

Paramedics, including those in an air ambulance, were summoned and treated the man at the scene. Despite their best efforts, he died before he could be taken to hospital. Another man, a 65-year-old from Midhurst who was in another vehicle, was taken to hospital for treatment.

Four cars were involved in the crash (SUSSEX NEWS AND PICTURES)

An investigation was launched by Sussex Police but has since ended. Initially, reports said he might have swerved to avoid a pothole and the local council took action to fill in potholes after the crash. It also emerged that the council had been warned about potholes on the road where the crash happened. Reports sent to West Sussex Council on Thursday, March 14 reveal they were warned about drivers on the same stretch of the A272 veering onto the opposite side of the road to avoid hitting the craters.

A concerned member of the public informed the council of a 1.6ft-wide pothole on the road going west and another 1.3ft-wide crater in the other direction. The report said: "Both cause vehicles to veer into the opposite carriageway. They have been there for longer than 30 days and are continuing to deteriorate."

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The same day, another individual also wrote in and said: "In 14 months, I've had to buy four new wheels, 12 tyres and two new front wheel bearings all due to the negligence of the public highway. I want answers. Both east and westbound the carriageway is destroyed and liable to cause a serious accident."

Police at the scene of the tragedy (Eddie Mitchell)

However, police have now said that following a post-mortem examination, it was confirmed that the man died after suffering a medical episode while at the wheel. A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "Officers have concluded an investigation into a fatal collision on the A272 near Petworth. Emergency services were called to Horsham Road near Fox Hill at about 7.50am on Monday, April 29. The collision involved four vehicles; a white Porsche, a white BMW, a black BMW, and a white Audi.

"Tragically, a 74-year-old man from Reigate, Surrey, was pronounced deceased at the scene. A 65-year-old man from Midhurst, driving a separate vehicle, sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries and received hospital treatment. Police launched Operation Preston to investigate the collision. Following a post-mortem examination, it has been concluded that the 74-year-old man died from a medical episode which occurred whilst driving."

Keith Perry