Axminster: Police appeal for witnesses after five-year-old girl dies following A35 crash

A five-year-old girl has died after a car crash on the A35 near between Axminster and Honiton, police have said.

The crash took place at around 2.35pm yesterday (Sunday, January 16) and involved two cars, a Land Rover and a BMW, despite earlier reports of more vehicles being involved.

The driver of the Land Rover, a woman in her 50s, was taken to hospital with injuries 'not believed to be life-threatening'.

A family of four from Cornwall was in the BMW. A male driver and female passenger in their 30s were both taken to hospital with injuries 'not believed to be serious'.

An eight-year-old girl remains in hospital with serious injuries 'not thought to be life-threatening'.

A five-year-old girl died following the crash.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police, fire and the ambulance service attended a serious collision on the A35 at Fern Lane, Wilmington, near Honiton, which took place at around 2:35pm on Sunday, January 16.

"Despite initial reports of numerous vehicles being involved, the incident involved only two cars; a white BMW 318 and blue Land Rover Discovery Sport.

"Road closures were put in place including at White Cross, Tower Cross and Greystone, these remained in place until around 10pm.

"The driver of the Land Rover, a woman in her 50's from the Tooting area of London area was taken to Dorchester Hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

"The driver of the BMW who is a man in his 30s plus a female passenger also in her 30s was taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be serious.

"An eight-year-old girl remains in hospital after sustaining serious injuries, but these are not thought to be life-threatening.

"Tragically, a five-year-old girl who was also a passenger in the BMW died following the collision. All four occupants of the BMW are a family from the Saltash area of Cornwall.

"Police are appealing for witnesses and would like to hear from anyone who saw either vehicle prior to the incident or witnessed the collision itself.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who may have dashcam footage that could assist with the investigation.

"Anyone with any information is asked to contact [email protected] quoting log number 465 16 January.

"The Roads Policing Team would like to thank the public for their patience shown whilst the road was closed as emergency services attended and a forensic investigation of the scene was undertaken."

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