Probe into fatal crash increase in Doncaster

South Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner has ordered an investigation into the '˜concerning' number of deaths on Doncaster's roads.
South Yorkshire PCC Dr Alan BillingsSouth Yorkshire PCC Dr Alan Billings
South Yorkshire PCC Dr Alan Billings

PCC Dr Alan Billings is calling for analysis to be done by police to identify any common factors following the death of 16 people on roads in Doncaster in four months.

Dr Billings said: “One issue that has come to the fore in the Doncaster area is the number of road traffic collisions that have resulted in fatalities, including multiple fatalities.

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“Although the number of RTCs has fallen, these fatal accidents seem to have risen, and that is a cause of concern.

“I have asked the police to do some analysis to see if we can identify any common factors.”

The calls come after nine women, five men and two teen brothers all died following horrific car crashes in some of the worst weeks on the roads in Doncaster’s history.

The latest death was 72-year-old Conisbrough man John Thompson, who died after his green Toyota Corolla and a white Vauxhall Corsa were involved in a head-on smash with a black Audi A4 in Mexborough on Sunday.

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The driver of the Audi, Aleksandrs Ivanovs, aged 31, of Manvers Road, Mexborough, appeared at Doncaster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Sheffield Crown Court on March 22.

A passenger in the Audi, a 34-year-old man, was taken to hospital with serious injuries but has since been discharged.

A second passenger in the Audi, an 18-year-old man, and the driver of the Corsa, a 41-year-old man, suffered slight injuries.

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Tributes have been paid to Mr Thompson who was described as a ‘very loving’ and ‘kind-hearted’ man.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward following the crash in Bambury Bridge, Doncaster Road, Mexborough.

Doncaster MP Caroline Flint has called for a review of road safety following the 16 deaths since November 7.

She added: “It is time we had a comprehensive review of speed limits that allows the community a big say in the limits in their neighbourhood.”

n Witnesses to the Mexborough crash can call police on 101 or give details to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.