1 person has been killed and another is being treated for serious injuries in hospital following a crash between a taxi and a trailer on The Downs yesterday (Saturday).
Police have confirmed that a 77-year-old woman from Newport has died as a result of the 2-vehicle collision, which occurred between the junctions of Brading Down Road and Knighton Shute at 11:20.
The woman was travelling as a passenger in a Hyundai taxi, the driver of which – a 40-year-old man from Newport – sustained serious injuries and was flown to Southampton’s Major Trauma Centre, where he remains this morning.
Despite the best efforts of all, the woman in her 70s died at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. 
It’s known that a silver Land Rover Defender, heading towards Newport at the time of the fatal crash, was towing a trailer carrying a robotic tree cutter. For reasons currently unknown, the 4×4 rolled and came to rest on its side. The trailer smashed into the oncoming taxi, shunting it backwards off the road.
The driver of the Defender escaped with minor injuries but was conveyed by land ambulance to St Mary’s Hospital.
The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service mobilised 2 ambulance crews, a critical care paramedic, an operational commander and a critical care doctor to the scene, whilst also requesting the assistance of the air ambulance.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service mobilised appliances from Ryde and Newport, as well as the Rescue Support Vehicle from Newport. 
Police kept the area locked down throughout the day, with specialist mainland-based collision investigators called in to piece together the tragic events of yesterday morning.
The Downs has now reopened in both directions following a 15-hour closure, which was lifted during the early hours of this morning.
A spokesperson for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has said:
“Officers would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident. Did you witnesses the collision or did you see the vehicles travelling in the area? Do you have a dashcam fitted to your vehicle which may have caught footage of the incident? “If you have any information please contact us as soon as possible online or on 101 quoting 44240240538”.
