Three die after car hits lamppost

Three people were killed when a car crashed into a lamppost in Lancashire

Published: 1:11am, 9th October 2011
Updated: 7:45pm, 9th October 2011

Three people have died and another is critically ill in hospital after a car crashed into a lamppost.

The Peugeot hatchback left the A666 Bolton Road in Darwen, Lancashire, before colliding with the post outside the Ocean Palace Restaurant.

One person was pronounced dead at the scene and two more died shortly afterwards in Royal Blackburn Hospital.

A fourth person was critically injured and is undergoing emergency surgery.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward as part of their investigation into the tragedy.

Inspector Damian Kitchen, from the Lancashire Police road policing unit, said: "We are in the process of identifying the people involved and informing relatives.

"An inquiry team has been established within the force roads policing unit and we are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

"This is an extremely tragic incident which will impact on a number of families, and we will be doing everything possible to support them at this time."