Death at black spot (From Gazette Series)

Death at black spot

A MOTORIST who was killed in a horrific car blaze on Monday has still not been named.

The driver, who died at the scene, had been travelling along the B4058 near Wotton-under-Edge when his car crashed into a tree and burst into flames.

The accident happened at around 8.45am on Monday on Rushmire Hill between the Cotswold Edge Golf Club and Wotton.

It is believed the man, who was driving a blue Vauxhall Astra, had been travelling up Rushmire Hill towards Tetbury when his vehicle collided with a tree and caught fire.

Gloucestershire police were refusing to comment on the identity of the dead motorist when the Gazette went to press today.

Spokesman Zoe Young said because the accident was so horrific, identifying the body would take some time and any investigations would probably rely on dental records.

She said: "At this early stage we cannot release any details about the identity.

"We have an idea of who it might be but we cannot say until it has been confirmed for obvious reasons. It is likely dental records will need to be used."

However, despite no formal identification it is believed the man - referred to only as Steve in the many messages left at the scene of the crash - was from the Tetbury area.

Floral tributes, cards, coloured pictures and a copy of Zoo magazine were left at the site of the crash this week.

One card read: "I can't explain in a thousand words how I feel at this time. Love you hun, Alison x."

Another card said: "To Steve. Love ya loads. Missing you already. Love Kerry."

It is also believed a woman from Wotton called Sally had tried to help the man. In a card left at the scene 'Sally' said she would never forget the victim or the accident.

The B4058 was closed in both directions after the accident and Old London Road was also shut to motorists. Both roads were re-opened by 1pm.

The Gloucester coroner has been notified of the death but a date for the inquest has not been set.

Rushmire Hill has been the scene of many accidents in recent years including the death of a 16-year-old girl in 2003.

Dr John Cordwell, a Gloucestershire county councillor and Wotton town councillor, said Rushmire Hill is known locally as a dangerous stretch of road.

He said: "It is tricky junction and one that people need to be careful about. The usual problems are further down the hill where there are warning signs.

"When the coroner's report is out on the cause of the accident then the county council will take what action is appropriate."

Anyone one with any information about the accident on Monday should contact Gloucestershire police on 0845 090 1234 quoting incident number 96 for April 3 or call Crimestopppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.