ONE man was killed and another seriously injured in a car crash at the Dartford Tunnel.

The men's van was involved in a five-vehicle pile-up at the entrance to one of the westbound tunnels which takes Essex-bound traffic. The driver of a Vauxhall van, Thomas King, 41, of Dartford, was killed instantly when his van was crushed between lorries travelling in front of and behind him.

His passenger, George Black, 35, also from Dartford, was seriously injured and was taken to Joyce Green Hospital, Dartford.

One of the lorry drivers was also taken to hospital suffering from shock.

Traffic was severely disrupted after the accident, which happened at 3pm. At one point, the police estimated the tailback on the northbound carriageway of the M25 was 12 miles. Any witnesses should call PC Brian McDonnell on 01622 882055.

l Another man died in a second road accident near Swanley. Nigel Sparshott, 36, of Woodlands Close, Swanley, was killed when the white Ford Transit van he was driving hit a bank and crashed into a barn on Crockenhill Road. No-one else was involved in the incident.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned.

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