Boy, 8, dies after horror crash as another child, 5, fights for his life

Emergency services were called to the scene on the westbound carriageway of the major road near Connor Downs just before 11am on Friday, May 29

A young boy of eight has tragically lost his life following a multi-vehicle collision on the A30 in Cornwall.

Emergency services were scrambled to the westbound carriageway of the busy road near Connor Downs at just before 11am on Friday, 29 May. Police have confirmed the eight year old boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

A five year old boy was rushed to Bristol Children’s Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition, the force added. A woman in her 70s sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Derriford Hospital, while a woman in her 40s was also treated at Derriford before being discharged, reports Cornwall Live.

The two women and two children were all passengers in the same vehicle. Specially trained family liaison officers are providing support to their loved ones.

A man in his 60s was subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was treated for minor injuries before being released under investigation.

Detective Inspector Andy Heath of Devon and Cornwall Police Serious Collisions Investigation Team said: “Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by this incident. Specialists from the Roads Policing Team and Serious Collisions Investigation Team have continued enquiries through the weekend, and the investigation team will be pursuing several lines of enquiry over the coming weeks.

“It is not possible to provide detail of the cause of the collision, and I would ask the public not to speculate. Further information will be made available in due course. Our priority at this time is to support those that have been directly affected by this tragic incident and to secure the evidence required for a thorough investigation.”

Officers are now urging anyone with dashcam footage to get in touch with the force.

In an official statement, Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Police are appealing for witnesses and dash-cam footage following a road traffic collision on the A30 which has tragically resulted in the death of a child and serious injuries to another.

“If you witnessed the collision or were in the area with dash-cam and have not yet spoken to police, please call 101 or make contact via our website quoting 50260136471.”