Police confirm second fatality after Carnanton crash
A 75-year-old woman has died in hospital following a two-vehicle collision at Carnanton, close to Cornwall Airport Newquay, earlier this month. Devon and Cornwall Police said the crash occurred at about 13:45 BST on 13 July.
The collision involved a Kia Picanto and a Peugeot 208. The driver of the Kia, a man in his 70s from Wadebridge, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Kia’s female passenger and the Peugeot’s female driver were taken to hospital after the incident. In an update issued on Monday, police confirmed the Kia passenger had died in hospital on Thursday 16 July.
“Officers have been notified by the coroner's office that the passenger in the Kia Picanto, a 75-year-old woman, died in hospital on Thursday 16 July.”
Investigators from the force’s serious collisions team remain engaged with the coroner’s office as enquiries continue. Officers have previously asked anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident to come forward.
What we know so far
| Location | Carnanton, near Cornwall Airport Newquay |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday 13 July |
| Time | About 13:45 BST |
| Vehicles | Kia Picanto and Peugeot 208 |
| Fatalities | Male Kia driver (70s) at scene; female Kia passenger (75) in hospital |
| Injuries | Female Peugeot driver taken to hospital |
The stretch of road at Carnanton sits on the approach to the airport, a route that can experience fluctuating traffic volumes over the summer as visitor numbers rise. Police have not released further details about the circumstances of the collision or the condition of the Peugeot driver.
Appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage
Detectives have renewed their appeal for information, particularly from motorists who were travelling in the vicinity of Carnanton around the time of the crash and may have onboard camera recordings. Any footage or first-hand accounts could assist officers in piecing together the sequence of events.
- Witnesses who saw either vehicle before the collision are urged to contact police.
- Drivers with dashcam footage from the area around 13:45 BST on 13 July are asked to share recordings with investigators.
- Information may also help establish road and weather conditions at the time.
Investigation and next steps
As is standard after a fatal collision, files will be prepared for the coroner. Formal identification processes and post-mortem examinations typically follow, and inquests may be opened in due course. Police have not indicated that any arrests have been made. The investigation will consider a range of factors including vehicle movements, road layout and any potential contributory elements.
Residents and travellers in the area around Cornwall Airport Newquay may notice continued police activity as collision investigators carry out scene analysis, gather statements and review video evidence. Disruption to traffic in the immediate aftermath of the incident has ended, but officers continue to seek information from those who were nearby at the time.
Community impact
The deaths will be acutely felt in the local community, including in Wadebridge, where the male driver lived. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of crashes on rural and semi-rural roads, particularly during the height of the tourist season when traffic patterns can be unpredictable. Authorities routinely encourage drivers to adjust speeds to conditions, leave extra time for journeys near major attractions and maintain heightened awareness around junctions and airport approach roads.
Devon and Cornwall Police said further updates will be issued as the investigation progresses. Anyone with information who has not yet spoken to officers is encouraged to do so through the usual police contact channels.
