A 40-year-old man has tragically died after careering off The Downs and into a disused quarry, Police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called to Mersley Downs at 07:38 this morning (Saturday) when a Royal Mail van left the carriageway and went through a barbed wire fence, as previously reported by Island Echo.
The vehicle then went down a steep embankment and plummeted into a disused quarry below.
Police, fire and ambulance crews rushed to the scene but sadly there was nothing that could be done to save the driver’s life.
Specialist officers from the mainland-based Collision Investigation Unit have been on the Island conducting a forensic examination of the scene.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary has this afternoon said:
“We are investigating following a fatal collision on the Isle of Wight this morning (Saturday 6 June).
“Officers were called to The Downs Road at 7.38am to reports of a single vehicle collision.
Article continues below this advertisement “The Royal Mail van had left the road and went down a steep embankment, just west of Newport Shute.
“The occupant, a man aged 40, from Southampton, died as a result.
“His next of kin have been informed and they are being supported by specialist officers”.
A spokesperson for Royal Mail has said:
“We were deeply saddened to learn about this incident. Our thoughts are with our colleague’s family and friends at this difficult time. We are currently helping police with their investigations.”
Officers are investigating the exact circumstances of the collision and would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision, or saw the vehicle driving in the area prior to it. In addition, if you have dash cam footage of the vehicle and/or the collision then you should call Police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 101, quoting incident 159 of today’s date.
UPDATE @ 15:50 – The Downs has now re-opened to traffic in both directions.
How terribly sad and my thoughts are with the family. If another vehicle was involved I hope the driver has the decency to come forward
R I P fella
How Awful thoughts go out to his family so so sad
So sad
RIP