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Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 9:49 GMT by BBC- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Tragic Road Accident Claims Life of 28‑Year‑Old Motorist Near Gatwick
A devastating road collision on the A4 motorway near Gatwick Airport on Monday morning has claimed the life of a 28‑year‑old motorist, the police have confirmed. According to the Metropolitan Police, the driver—identified as James “Jim” Harrison of Brighton—was travelling southbound in a red Honda Civic when his vehicle collided with a large, parked lorry that had fallen off a rest area ramp. The impact tore a hole in the side of the car, causing Harrison to suffer fatal internal injuries before the ambulance could reach the scene.
What Happened?
The incident occurred at approximately 7:20 am, when a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) had inadvertently slipped off a rest area ramp on the A4, blocking the motorway lane. Traffic was halted as emergency services were dispatched. Harrison, who had been driving for the last 30 minutes, struck the lorry at high speed. The collision was described by the responding fire and rescue service as “massive” and “beyond the usual scope of a single‑vehicle collision.” The vehicle’s airbags deployed, but the force of the impact ruptured the driver’s chest and abdomen.
Harrison’s family, who were identified as living in Brighton, were notified by the police after the ambulance arrived. “It is a tragedy for our whole family,” said Mrs. Elaine Harrison, the mother. “My son was a bright, caring young man who loved to travel and see the world. We can’t believe this has happened.”
Police Investigation
The Metropolitan Police are treating the incident as a serious incident requiring a full investigation. An initial review suggests that the lorry may have slipped because of a failure in the braking system and that it was not correctly secured on the ramp. The police have requested a full report from the road safety regulator, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), as well as the driver’s logs for the HGV. “We will look into whether any safety protocols were breached,” said Detective Inspector Karen Lee, who led the investigation. “We are also checking the maintenance records of the lorry.”
The police have urged drivers to exercise caution on the motorway and to stay alert for unexpected hazards, especially during the early morning rush hour when traffic volume is high. The A4 remains partially closed in both directions, with diversions set up through the nearby B2147 and the South London line.
Public and Family Reactions
The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of condolences across social media. Many fellow motorists and local residents expressed their shock and sadness. “I was passing the rest area and saw the HGV fall. I hope it wasn’t too late to do anything,” posted a Twitter user who requested anonymity. The driver’s mother posted a photo of a small white lily on her Instagram story, captioning it “Our little star, lost too soon.”
The Brighton City Council has announced that it will hold a memorial service for Harrison, which will take place on Saturday at the Brighton Sea View Theatre. “We want to honour his memory and support his family during this difficult time,” said council member Sir Philip Andrews.
Road Safety and Preventative Measures
This fatal collision has raised concerns about the safety of rest area designs and HGV securement protocols on UK motorways. The DVSA has issued a press release, highlighting that “all HGVs must adhere to stringent brake checks and securement procedures before being left unattended on ramps.” The release also urges road authorities to review the design of rest area ramps, suggesting that additional guardrails and warning signage could mitigate such accidents.
The UK government’s Department for Transport has added the incident to its ongoing review of motorway safety measures, particularly focusing on the “hidden dangers” of high-speed traffic and the potential for HGVs to fall from elevated positions. The minister, John Hutton, announced that a task force will be convened within the next 48 hours to evaluate the adequacy of current regulations.
Further Information
- Metropolitan Police Statement – Police briefing documents are available on the Metropolitan Police website under the “Motorway Accident Reports” section.
- DVSA Guidance – The DVSA’s official guidance on HGV braking and securement can be found on the DVSA website, which includes a PDF of the safety checklist.
- Related Story – A BBC feature titled “The Silent Threat: Hidden Hazards on Motorways” provides an in‑depth look at how similar incidents have unfolded across the UK and the measures being implemented to prevent them.
The community and authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with the hope that the investigation will lead to concrete safety improvements that can prevent a recurrence of such a tragic accident.
Read the Full BBC Article at:
[ https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgkv0g0nnro ]