One dead as car plunges into river after crashing through railings

25 February 2023 , 14:11

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The scene in the Bedminster area of Bristol after a car went through railings and into the River Avon (Image: PA)

A man in his 20s has died after a car smashed through railings and plunged into a river, leaving two others hurt.

Avon and Somerset Police rushed to York Road in the Bedminster area of Bristol at about 1.30am this morning following reports of the crash.

Photos from the scene show police vehicles at the top of an embankment while upturned car can be seen submerged in the River Avon below.

A police spokeswoman said one man died while the two other people were treated for minor injuries.

She said: "We responded to an incident in the early hours of this morning, Saturday February 25, after a car went through railings alongside the river at York Road, Bedminster, and entered the water.

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A police spokeswoman said one man died while the two other people were treated for minor injuries (PA)

"There were three occupants in the car. One of them, a man in his 20s, sadly died. The next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.

"The family will be offered support by a specially trained liaison officer.

"The two other occupants have received medical attention."

The crash took place in the early hours of Saturday (PA)

Roads in the surrounding area were closed while emergency services attended the incident.

The spokeswoman continued: "An investigation is ongoing to ascertain how the vehicle came to be in the water.

"We are making a mandatory referral about this incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)."

The police statement did not specify the reason behind the referral to the IOPC.

Police forces must refer certain incidents to the watchdog, for example where there has been a death or a serious injury following police contact.

In 2018, a man and a woman were rescued after the car they were travelling in crashed through railings on York Road.
And in 2019, a van driver and passenger managed to escape after their vehicle went through the railings.

Claire Hayhurst