Tributes to victims of A2 horror smash

Three men killed when their car hit a parked lorry on the A2 near Canterbury were friends returning to London from a trip to the coast.

The tragedy happened around 4.30am last Thursday when their black Mercedes crashed into the stationary truck in a lay-by on the London-bound carriageway at Dunkirk.

A fourth passenger in the car survived but suffered serious injuries and is being treated in a London hospital.

The road was closed for more than nine hours while police tried to establish the exact circumstances of the accident.

A friend and neighbour of the men, who were in their 30s and lived in Finsbury Park, north London, says the tragedy has devastated the community.

Speaking to the Gazette, but not wishing to be named, one said: “Everyone is in pieces. They were just regular guys who often go down to the coast to enjoy an evening at the beach to wind down.

“They spend a few hours watching the water and the moon, talking rubbish and then they come back.

!They were very close friends and neighbours who have grown up together. We all live on the same street. It is quite a close community here and everyone knew them and is in shock.”

The London-bound section of the road remained shut until just before 2pm. The lorry driver, a 35-year-old French national, was arrested by police. He was released pending inquiries.

Any witnesses should call the appeal line on 01622 798538, quoting reference SCIU/DM/008/18.

A2 lay-by where three men died after a crash involving a lorry