2 men in their 20s from Cowes have been tragically killed in a crash involving a car and a van at Whippingham, Police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called to Whippingham Road – the main road in and out of East Cowes – at just before 13:10 this afternoon (Tuesday) following reports of a serious collision near the junction with Alverstone Road.
Police, fire and ambulance crews all arrived on scene to find 2 males in a Honda Civic in a critical condition and 1 injured male in a Toyota Proace van.
3 fire engines and an Incident Command Unit were mobilised to the crash scene by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service also mobilised 3 ambulance crews, a rapid response paramedic and a number of senior officers.
Sadly, despite the efforts of everyone involved, the occupants of the Civic – both in their 20s and from Cowes – were declared dead at the scene. Their next of kins have been informed and are being supported at this time.
The driver of the van – a man in his 40s from Newport – was taken to St Mary’s Hospital by ambulance with minor injuries.
Island Echo is told by witnesses that the Honda Civic EJ9 was travelling towards East Cowes at the time of the collision, with the driver losing control and crashing side-on into the oncoming van on the opposite side of the carriageway.
Specialist officers from the mainland-based Collision Investigation Unit have arrived on the Island to piece together exactly what led to the fatal crash.
Senior Investigating Officer, Police Sergeant Jamie Barron, has said:
“This is a tragic incident in which two young men have sadly lost their lives. An investigation is already underway in order to establish the exact circumstances leading up to the incident and our enquiries remain ongoing at this time.
“We’d like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have witnessed the collision or the moments leading up to it. Did you see what happened? Do you have dash cam footage showing the collision or the moments beforehand?
“Thank you to local residents for their patience and co-operation as we dealt with this incident – having closed a number of roads for several hours surrounding the scene in order to carry out our enquires.
“Any information you might have – no matter how small or insignificant you believe it to be – could really assist our investigation and help us to understand the final moments before this tragedy. We would urge anyone with information to please contact us on 101 quoting Operation Hostel or reference number 44220012949.
“Alternatively, you can submit information via the following link: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/”.
Whippingham Road is expected to remain closed for at least another hour as Police wrap up their on scene investigations and recovery is arranged.
UPDATE @ 21:25 – The road has now re-opened in both directions.
How very sad. Condolences to the families at the sad time
So sad, the loss of two young men.
My condolences to the families.
May they rest in RIP
My deepest condolences to the families involved. Such a waste of young life. May they RIP
Thinking if the families of the two young men who tragically lost there lives today R I P
Hope the driver of the van will be ok, sending best wishes to them.
So sad, reading this far too often on this small island, never see any pro-active Road Safety work being undertaken. Who actually holds the remit for Road Safety here????
So many crashes these past months. Not sure of the exact reason but poor road surfaces, bad conditions and also some bad mistakes maybe from drivers all contribute to the figures. I’m in no way referring to this terrible incident. I have no idea so cannot speculate. It’s a terrible tragedy and I send my sincere condolences to the young men’s families at this awful time.,
Bring back the Road Policing Unit. Way too many speeders and bad drivers on this island. 2 young lives lost. So sad. Thoughts go out to their family and friends.
Here here! If there’s one thing the island needs its more traffic cops. Too many drunk drivers, too many dumb racer boys.
So very tragic 🙁 sincere condolences to family and friends. I hope this serves as a warning to others who may be tempted to speed.