A police officer has lost her life after being struck by a lorry while she was aiding individuals on the roadside following a prior collision.
PC Rosie Prior arrived at the location along the A19 at Bagby, close to Thirsk in North Yorkshire, to assist drivers caught in a crash involving a black Ford Focus and a silver Audi.
However, while she stood on the roadside next to the Audi driver and his passenger, a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) barreled into them.
The officer and the 41-year-old driver, Ryan Welford of Knaresborough, were pronounced dead at the scene. The Audi passenger, a teenage male, remains in serious but stable condition in the hospital.
The HGV driver, a 65-year-old man from Berwick-upon-Tweed, has been detained on suspicion of causing death through dangerous driving. He has since been released pending further investigation.
PC Prior’s family characterized her as ‘a devoted mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, who will be profoundly missed’.
Ryan Welford’s family expressed: ‘Ryan was a diligent and caring father, husband, son, and brother. His absence will be deeply felt by family and friends.’
Tim Forber, Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police, stated: ‘It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of PC Rosie Prior on Saturday morning, who was tragically killed while assisting at the scene of a separate accident on the A19 near Bagby.
‘We are taking every measure to support Rosie’s family, as well as the family of a man who was also sadly lost in this event.
‘This is undeniably a deeply distressing and heartbreaking occurrence for all involved, and we kindly request that both families are allowed to grieve in solitude. They have expressed a wish for no media contact.’
‘Rosie’s colleagues from the response team in York, as well as members from across the force, are being provided with support during this exceptionally challenging period.’
The site of the collision was reopened around 7:20 PM on Saturday.
Two vehicles and the HGV have been removed. Highway officials have cleared the area of debris to ensure the roadway is safe for travel.
The Major Collision Investigation Team is calling on witnesses to either of the two incidents, as well as motorists who may have relevant dashcam footage, to come forward promptly.
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