Woman, 90, dies after van crashes into house

A 90-year-old woman was killed when a van crashed into her home, police said.

The white Ford Transit smashed into the property in Yeolands Drive in Clevedon, Somerset, shortly before 8.30pm on Wednesday.

Officers arrested a 34-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Residents of neighbouring properties were evacuated following the crash, due to fears that a gas pipe had been damaged.

We're continuing to investigate last night's fatal collision in Clevedon in which a van collided with a house. We're...

Posted by Avon and Somerset Constabulary on Thursday, April 19, 2018

Speaking at the scene, Inspector Frazer Davey said: "A vehicle, a Ford Transit van, has gone through the front of the house and sadly killed the 90-year-old female occupant inside.

"We have informed the family of the lady who has died, and we have specially trained officers who are supporting her family as we speak.

"This is a very sad collision that we are dealing with."

The scene in Clevedon, Somerset, where a woman has died after a vehicle smashed into a property (Claire Hayhurst/PA)
The scene in Clevedon, Somerset, where a woman has died after a vehicle smashed into a property (Claire Hayhurst/PA)

Mr Davey said the victim has not yet been formally identified.

"While we're in the early stages of our investigation, we know the van involved, registration WR65 LNC, left the Crab Apple pub moments before colliding with the house," he said.

"We have already reviewed some CCTV from the local area and, as a result of this process, we have identified a witness who we'd like to talk to.

"At about 8.25pm someone is seen talking to the occupants of the van outside the pub.

"I'm keen for this person to call us as soon possible as I believe they may have information which could help our inquiry."

He also appealed for anyone who had seen the van in Clevedon on Wednesday, or had dashcam footage, to come forward.

"The van is quite distinctive as it is white with a black bonnet and two white stripes. It also has ladders on the roof," he said.

The arrested man and woman, believed to be from the local area, remain in police custody.

Neighbours spoke of their shock at the incident, with some describing how they rescued two children from the van after the crash.

Emergency services are currently responding to an incident in Clevedon. Here's our statement - pic.twitter.com/t25fGKluvA

-- Avon&Somerset Police (@ASPolice) April 18, 2018

Colin Dicker, 80, who has lived in the area for 37 years, said: "We came back at 11pm and we saw the flashing lights and saw a number of emergency vehicles.

"It was certainly a shock - just unbelievable. I can't understand how it could happen. It is so sad that someone was killed in their own house, it is awful."

One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said the van had crashed "straight through" the wall and into the woman's lounge.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Avon and Somerset Police on 101, with the reference 5218083336.

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