Horror crash claims life of teenager

Buy photos» A car and van collided at the junction of Cornets End Lane and Meriden Lane on Friday, July 22. 30.011.044.sol.jg1

Ben Lindon

03 August. Updated: 03 August 17:23

POLICE have issued an urgent appeal after a horrific road smash saw a teenager killed.
The incident, involving an Alfa Romeo car and a Mercedes van, happened just before 11am on Friday morning (July 22) in Meriden.
A 19-year-old man, a passenger in the van, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics shortly afterwards close to a junction along the Berkswell Road and Meriden Road.
Investigating officers have erected an appeal sign near the junction of Back Lane and Cornets End Lane, between Meriden and Four Oaks.
Police told the Observer the 19-year-old man was not being named at this early stage of their enquiries.
His relatives were being informed as the paper went to press.
The Mercedes van driver, a 21-year-old man, was treated for serious head and neck injuries and airlifted to University Hospital, Coventry.
He was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
He has been granted bail pending further enquiries.
The car driver, a 47-year-old woman,and her passenger were treated for minor injuries.
West Midlands Ambulance Service raced to the scene but could not help the man.
One ambulance, a paramedic officer in a rapid response vehicle from West Midlands Ambulance Service and the Coventry and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance rushed to the horror scene but were unable to help the man.
The section of road was closed for several hours as medics tried to revive him.
A spokesman said: "Ambulance crews arrived on scene and treated four casualties.
"Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of ambulance crews, nothing could be done for the male passenger in the van who was confirmed deceased at the scene.
Anyone with information to help the police inquiry is urged to ring 0345 113 5000 and ask to speak to officers attached to the West Midlands Police Collision Investigation Unit.