Driver arrested over crash which killed man and left second fighting for life

Police officers were called to the junction of Fryers Road and Leamore Lane, Bloxwich, just after 11pm on Sunday after reports of a car in collision with a van.

A 21-year-old died and a 20-year-old passenger was taken to hospital with serious injuries. He remains in a critical condition.

The driver of the car was arrested and is helping police with their inquiries.

People visited the scene of the tragedy yesterday to pay tribute.

Mark Horsfield, who didn't know the victim but was laying flowers by the roadside, said: "He was only a young lad.

"All we heard was the bang. The paramedics were here really quick but there was nothing that could be done."

Passers-by helped pull one of the people involved in the accident from the car, while three ambulances were sent to the scene.

Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from West Midlands Police's collision investigation unit, said: "We continue to investigate the circumstances that led to this man's tragic death and we are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and who has not already spoken to us to come forward.

"The family of the man have been informed of his death and specialist officers continue to liaise with them."

West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman Murray MacGregor added: "On arrival, ambulance staff found a car that had suffered extensive damage.

"Unfortunately, one of those in the car was found to be in cardiac arrest.

"He was pulled from the vehicle with the help of other road users who had stopped.

"Sadly it was not possible to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene."

Anyone with information should contact officers at fl_collision_invest@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk