ONE of the Devon County Council contractors injured in a collision with a van while working on a dual carriageway in Tiverton has died. The man has been identified as Steven Tolley, 48, from Tiverton.

Mr Tolley was critically injured in the collision and died in Derriford Hospital in Plymouth last night (4 February). His next of kin have been informed.

Mr Tolley has remained in intensive care since being airlifted to the hospital following the collision on the A361 around 11am last Tuesday, January 29. Another injured worker, aged 40 and also from Tiverton, is recovering at home. The van driver, a 43-year-old man from Tideford, near Saltash, Cornwall, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving and later released on bail until May 20.

Both contractors were carrying out repairs in a closed lane for South West Highways on behalf of Devon County Council.

It is understood the van was travelling in an open lane when the collision occurred. Another 22-year-old worker, also from Tiverton, suffered minor injuries that did not require hospital treatment, while a fourth man was treated for shock at the scene.

Police and the Health and Safety Executive are conducting an investigation into the collision.

Officers have renewed their appeal for witnesses to the collision and would particularly like to speak to those who saw the Iveco van in the area at the time or how and where the men were working in the road.

Witnesses are urged to contact MPC Chris Wright at Exeter Serious Collisions Investigation Unit by calling 101, quoting log number 208 29/01/13.

Both Devon County Council and South West Highways have declined to comment at this stage.