Cab driver killed in crash
The scene of the fatal crash
A POPULAR private hire cab driver died instantly when his car collided with an articulated lorry at the weekend.
David Annetts, who worked at private hire firm Comfi Cars & Minibuses in Oxford Road, died after his Ford Mondeo was in collision with an articulated lorry on Saturday night.
His car was stationary on the southbound carriageway of the busy Swallowfield bypass shortly before 11.20pm when the lorry struck it, Reading police said this morning.
Colleagues of the 46-year-old, who was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, have paid tribute to an experienced driver who was immensely popular.
Manzoor Hussain, a committee member of the Reading Private Hire Association, told the Evening Post: “He has been driving for years and years. He was a very lively guy and I’m sure everybody who has been driven by him would remember him.”
Reading police spokesman James Clements said the circumstances of the crash were still being investigated.
He said the driver of the articulated lorry, who was uninjured, had called 999 after the accident and had remained at the scene until the arrival of the emergency services.
No arrests have been made following the crash, Mr Clements said.
The southbound carriageway was closed until 4am yesterday while emergency services searched for clues and the Highway Agency cleared the scene.
Officers have launched an appeal for information following the crash.
All traffic was slowed down for about 15 minutes shortly before 6pm yesterday while police put up signs informing drivers of the tragedy and asking for information.
Mr Clements said: “Police officers are appealing for anyone who saw the collision or any of the vehicles prior to the collision to contact them.”
Mr Annetts is due to be formally identified today.
Anyone with information can call PC Daniel Ruffle or Sergeant Gary Summers of Three Mile Cross Roads Policing on 08458 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
http://www.getreading.co.uk:80/news/2014/2014538/cab_driver_killed_in_crash_