A motorist died and two people were taken to hospital after a serious road smash in the wet weather.

Two cars, a Ford Escort GTI and a Rover 216, were involved in the incident in London Road, Vange, about 10.50pm last night.

The driver of the Escort suffered fatal injuries while his passenger and the Rover driver both suffered serious injuries in the collision.

Death scene - debris is strewn across London Road, Vange, in the fatal crash Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

The 26-year-old dead man, who has not yet been formally identified, is from the Basildon area.

Police, ambulance crews, two fire crews from Basildon and one from Grays attended the scene at the junction with Glenmere, while police blocked off London Road to traffic.

The two injured people had to be cut free by firefighters after becoming trapped in the vehicles.

After being rescued, they were taken by ambulance to Basildon Hospital.

The male Rover driver had serious leg injuries, while the female Escort passenger was unconscious at the scene.

An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said the slippery road conditions could have been to blame for the smash.

Published Thursday October 31, 2002

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