Two men arrested after horror smash on New Barn Road in Dartford that left three family members in hospital
A four-year-old boy has died following a devastating collision between two pickup trucks on a country lane in Kent, with a man now fighting for his life and a baby girl also injured.
The horrific crash occurred when two grey Ford Rangers collided on New Barn Road in Southfleet, near Dartford, at around 9.30pm on Sunday evening, leaving three members of the same family – including two young children – needing urgent hospital treatment.
In heartbreaking scenes, the four-year-old boy was rushed to hospital but tragically could not be saved, while a 24-year-old man from the same vehicle remains in critical condition battling for his life.
A one-year-old baby girl, also travelling in the same Ford Ranger, miraculously escaped with only minor injuries in the devastating collision that has shocked the local community.
TWO MEN ARRESTED
Kent Police have arrested two men in connection with the fatal crash as detectives from the Major Crime Unit launch a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
A 27-year-old man from Darenth and a 53-year-old man from Swanley were arrested on Monday and remain in police custody while enquiries continue.
The Major Crime Unit’s involvement in the investigation signals the serious nature of the incident, with detectives working to piece together exactly what led to the fatal collision on the country road.
FAMILY’S NIGHTMARE JOURNEY
All three victims were travelling together in one of the Ford Rangers when disaster struck on the rural road, which runs between the A2 and Warren Road in Southfleet.
The young family were rushed to hospital following the 9.30pm collision, but despite the best efforts of medical staff, the four-year-old boy could not be saved.
The 24-year-old man, whose relationship to the children has not been disclosed by police, remains in hospital where his condition has been described as critical.
The one-year-old girl, who suffered minor injuries, represents a small miracle in an otherwise devastating incident that has left a family shattered.
ROAD SEALED OFF
New Barn Road was immediately closed in both directions following the crash, with the route between the A2 and Warren Road remaining sealed off as forensic collision investigators examined the scene.
The rural lane, which connects Dartford and Southfleet, became the scene of intense police activity as officers worked through the night to gather evidence about the fatal collision.
Emergency services, including multiple ambulance crews and police units, descended on the normally quiet country road as the scale of the tragedy became clear.
DESPERATE APPEAL FOR WITNESSES
Detectives have issued an urgent appeal for witnesses as they work to establish exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the fatal crash.
Kent Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen either of the grey Ford Rangers in the area before the collision or witnessed the crash itself.
A police spokesperson said: “Detectives would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the collision, which involved two grey Ford Rangers.
Officers are especially interested in obtaining any dashcam footage from drivers who were in the area at the time, as well as CCTV from nearby properties that may have captured the vehicles.
MAJOR CRIME UNIT INVESTIGATION
The involvement of Kent Police’s Major Crime Unit underscores the gravity of the investigation, with specialist detectives now leading the probe into the fatal collision.
Members of the public with any information have been urged to contact the Major Crime Unit via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) or by calling the dedicated Major Crime Appeal Line on 01622 652006.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or complete an online form.
COMMUNITY IN SHOCK
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community in Dartford and Southfleet, with residents expressing their horror at the loss of such a young life.
New Barn Road, a country lane that connects residential areas with the main A2 trunk road, is known to locals but not typically associated with serious accidents.
The death of the four-year-old boy marks a devastating start to June for the area, with many residents likely to have concerns about road safety on the rural route.
GROWING TOLL ON KENT’S ROADS
The tragedy adds to a concerning toll of serious accidents on Kent’s roads, with the county seeing numerous fatal collisions in recent months.
The involvement of two vehicles of the same make and model – both grey Ford Rangers – in such a serious collision is likely to form a key part of the police investigation.
As the two arrested men remain in custody and the 24-year-old man fights for his life in hospital, a family faces the unimaginable grief of losing a four-year-old child.
THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
Kent Police have confirmed that enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the collision, with officers working to build a complete picture of events.
The force has not released any details about the relationship between those in the vehicles or whether the occupants of the two Ford Rangers knew each other.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the bereaved family while ensuring a thorough investigation brings answers about how this tragedy occurred.
Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact Kent Police’s Major Crime Unit immediately to assist with their investigation.
Image: New Barn Road – geograph.org.uk – 7214813
Author: JThomas
License: CC BY-SA 2.0
Source: Wikimedia Commons
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[…] family and friends have paid tribute to a “beautiful angel” four-year-old boy killed in a horrific two-truck crash that has left his young father fighting for his life in […]
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