Driver arrested after woman dies in three-car crash on busy Devon road

A woman has died after a three-vehicle crash on a major road in Devon.

Emergency services responded to reports of a three-vehicle collision on the A381 in Halwell, near Totnes involving a black Perodua Myvi compact hatchback, a blue Skoda Kamiq and a white Hyundai i30 just before 8pm on Tuesday evening.

Despite the efforts of emergency services, a 33-year-old woman, who was the driver of the Perodua, died at the scene. The driver of the Skoda was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

Police officers arrested a man in his 40s, the driver of the white Hyundai, for failing to provide a preliminary drugs test.

The road was closed overnight to allow investigations to take place at the scene. Police officers reopened the road after 1pm on Wednesday afternoon.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “We are appealing for witnesses and footage following a fatal road traffic collision on the A381 in Halwell, near Totnes.

“Emergency services were called just before 8pm on Tuesday 13 October following reports of a three-vehicle collision involving a black Perodua Myvi compact hatchback, a blue Skoda Kamiq and a White Hyundai i30.

“Sadly, a 33-year-old local woman, who was the driver of the Perodua, died at the scene. The driver of the Skoda remains in a critical condition in hospital. Their families have been informed.

“The road was closed for several hours while investigations were carried out at the scene. Officers from the Roads Policing Team would like to thank the public for their patience during that time.

“The driver of the White Hyundai i30, a local man in his 40s, was arrested for failing to provide a preliminary drugs test and is currently being treated in hospital for minor injuries.”

Any witnesses or anyone with relevant information and dashcam footage which may assist the investigation is asked contact police via Devon and Cornwall Police’s website or by calling 101 quoting reference number 50260275198.