Man dies after his car crashes and ends up in ditch

KAREN BRITTON AND STUART GREER

A2 9 - Y E AR- O L D man has died after a car accident. Sean Gilbert, from Macclesfield, passed away after the crash on Priory Lane, Upton Priory, when his car careered into a ditch after hitting another vehicle.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene near Macclesfield Leisure Centre at around 9.20am on Saturday and rescued Mr Gilbert who had become trapped in his Ford Fiesta.

He was airlifted to Royal Stoke Hospital but sadly died from his injuries on Sunday afternoon.

Councillor Martin Hardy, who represents Broken Cross and Upton ward on Cheshire East Council, said: “I cannot remember there being a fatality on that road. It is a massive shock.

“On weekdays it can be an exceptionally busy road because of the schools nearby.

“I am relieved that the accident didn’t happen during the school run.

“It appears at the moment there is a lot of speculation as to what happened.

“For now though we must remember that this is a tragedy. A family has lost their loved one. It’s terribly sad.”

Police are investigating ‘a number of incidents’ Mr Gilbert was involved in with his car immediately prior to crashing on Priory Lane.

This included smashing into a wall on nearby Eaglais Way not long before the accident.

Mr Gilbert was on his own in the car.

The driver of the other car - a Honda CRV - who was also alone, was taken to Macclesfield Hospital but did not sustain injuries.

A police spokesman said: “A Ford Fiesta had been in collision with a Honda CRV. The driver of the Fiesta a 29-year-old Macclesfield man was taken to Royal Stoke Hospital with serious injuries.

“Sadly on Sunday afternoon he died as a result of the injuries sustained.”

Friends and family have taken to the Express Facebook page to pay tribute.

Gareth Postlewhite said: “RIP sleep tight m8.”

Lynn Newton said: “Very sad condolences to family & friends x.”

Kerie Bradley added: “Rip mate xx.”

Anyone with information regarding the accident or incidents leading up to the should contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 248 of September 12.

The Cheshire coroner has been notified and was awaiting paperwork from Macclesfield police.