A POLISH man has been killed and two people seriously injured following an horrific eight-vehicle pile-up on the A12 near Colchester.The crash involved seven cars and an HGV and took place at about 6.

Elliot Furniss

A POLISH man has been killed and two people seriously injured following an horrific eight-vehicle pile-up on the A12 near Colchester.

The crash involved seven cars and an HGV and took place at about 6.30am on the Ipswich-bound carriageway at the Ardleigh Crown interchange.

Factory worker Karol Boronski, 44, originally from Poland but living in Lowestoft, was killed at the scene. A man, from Witham and believed to be in his 40s, suffered serious head injuries and was taken to Queen's Hospital in Romford. A 19-year-old woman from Suffolk was also seriously injured and is currently at Colchester General Hospital. Both are said to be in a stable condition

The northbound carriageway reopened at 3.15pm.

Police have issued an urgent appeal for witnesses and are particularly keen to hear from anybody who may have been caught up in the collision and subsequently, unaware of how serious the incident was, left the scene.

The drivers of several cars that may have been damaged could help the investigation into the accident.

Five fire crews from Colchester, Wivenhoe and Coggeshall were sent to the scene and firefighters used cutting equipment to free several people from their damaged vehicles.

Three ambulances, two ambulance managers and two BASICS emergency doctors were sent to the scene.

Ambulance manager Trevor Redburn said: “One patient suffered very serious injuries and could not be saved. Sadly, this person was confirmed deceased at the scene.

“A man, thought to be in his 40s, suffered serious head injuries. His treatment was overseen by a BASICS doctor, who travelled in the ambulance with the patient while he was transported to Queens Hospital in Romford.

“His condition on arrival was believed to be potentially life-threatening.”

A woman in her mid 20s suffered cuts to her head and hands and was taken to Colchester General Hospital while a further five “walking wounded” were treated at the crash scene.

Mr Redburn added: “Ambulance personnel worked closely with police and fire crews to manage this complicated incident and ensure all of the victims received the best possible care.

“Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased patient at this very sad time.”

Anyone with information has been urged to contact officers at Stanway Road Policing Unit on 01206 762512 immediately.