Man held as two killed in car crash

Aug 22 2007 By Tony Deeley, Birmingham Mail

A MAN has been arrested after two people died in a four-car collision in Halesowen.

The road accident near Halesowen town centre, on the A459 Dudley Road between Furnace Hill and Mucklow Hill, also caused major traffic problems.

A Rover driver, believed to have been in his late 50s, was certified dead at the scene.

The 21-year-old driver of a Fiat Panda was cut free, but died of his injuries after being taken to Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham.

Police sealed off the road, used by many Birmingham and Black Country commuters, as they began their investigations into the tragedy.

Four cars were involved in the collision at the junction of Dudley Road with Hereward Rise.

A man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was later helping police with their inquiries.

ONE man died and another was seriously injured today in a head-on crash between two cars in the Midlands.

Paramedics battled in vain to save the man - said to be elderly - after his Rover car was in collision with a Fiat Brava, driven by a man in his 20s.

Despite continued attempts to resuscitate him the Rover driver, who suffered serious internal and leg injuries, died at the scene.

The driver of the Fiat was taken to Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham, with severe head injuries, leg fractures and internal injuries after a 15-minute operation led by firefighters to free him. He later died.

A male passenger, also in his 20s, climbed out unhurt.

The accident, which happened on Dudley Road at Halesowen between Furnace Hill and Mucklow Hill about 5.50am today, led to peak-hour traffic chaos for drivers.

Police sealed off the road and operated diversions as an investigation began.

Incident support officer, Martin Eaton, said: "The crews did extremely well, given that they were faced with two seriously injured patients. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, it was simply not possible to save one of the drivers."