TWO men died in the space of around 10 hours following two separate crashes in Dorset.

The A338 Spur Road northbound was shut for most of Sunday following a fatal collision involving a pedestrian and a petrol tanker.

The previous night, the driver of an Audi A5 coupé died after his car left the road and landed in a field on a rural road near Corfe Castle.

Road closures were put in place at both incidents while emergency services responded to the incidents, with police officers carrying out detailed investigations.

In relation to the Spur Road crash, Dorset Police were called to reports of the collision between the Avon Causeway and Ashley Heath at 6.22am yesterday.

Bournemouth Echo: Road closure on the A338 Spur Road following a crash on the morning of Sunday, July 25, 2021, between Blackwater and Ashley Heath. Picture: Jason Lewis

The pedestrian, a man in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed. The lorry driver was uninjured.

Sergeant Lee Savage, of Dorset Police’s traffic unit, said: “My thoughts go out to the family and friends at this difficult time.

“We are appealing for any witnesses to the incident or anyone who may have captured relevant dashcam footage.

“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw a white Vauxhall Insignia parked in a layby on this stretch of road or a person in or around the vehicle.

“Finally, we are aware that the road closure greatly impacts the traffic in this area. I would like to reassure motorists that this is absolutely necessary to allow emergency services to safely respond to the incident and thoroughly examine the scene.”

On the evening of July 24, emergency services were called to the B3069 between Kingston and the turn-off to Worth Matravers.

The incident, which was reported to police at 8.18pm, involved a black Audi A5 coupé.

Bournemouth Echo: Picture: Purbeck PolicePicture: Purbeck Police

The driver of the car, a local man in his 20s, died at the scene. His family has been informed.

The front seat passenger, also a local man in his 20s, sustained minor injuries.

PC Dave Coterill, of the traffic unit, said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the young man who tragically died.

“We are carrying out a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the collision.

“I urge anyone who witnessed the incident or the manner of driving leading up to it to please come forward.

“Also, I would like to hear from anyone who may have captured anything of relevance on dashcam to please get in touch.

“Finally, I would like to thank motorists for their patience while the road closure is in place as this allows us and our emergency colleagues to respond to the incident in a safe manner and thoroughly examine the scene.”

Witnesses or anyone with information in relation to the fatal incidents should contact Dorset Police, quoting 25:191 for the Spur Road collision and 24:758 for the Purbeck crash.