A SHOCKED eye witness has described the horror of a four-car pile-up which claimed the life of an elderly man.

The witness managed to stop just metres from the crash, which led to huge traffic delays on the busy A31 at Ringwood during Wednesday night’s rush hour.

“I saw the car flying towards me but was lucky enough to stop in time,” said the witness, who wishes to remain anonymous.

“The car no longer looked like a car but a block of twisted metal. “I was shocked and upset – I couldn’t watch.”

The witness, who was travelling east when the terrifying crash took place, praised those who helped the driver and added: “I admire the people who ran to his aid. I feel upset for his family and relatives.”

A man in his 70s, who lived in Surrey, died of his injuries following the crash.

The Daihatsu driver has not yet been named by police and the cause of his death is not yet known. The coroner has been informed and a post mortem examination is due to be held soon.

Three other vehicles were involved in the fatal accident – two Fords and one Vauxhall – but no one else was hurt.

The witness saw emergency crews trying to save the man’s life and said the scene of the crash, which happened just before 6pm on the Ringwood flyover, was distressing.

“I thank the fire crew for their kind words and also a man called Matt, who offered some comforting words to me when I had burst into tears.

“I was thankful I was going home and am still a bit shocked. Life is precious, take care on the roads.”

On Thursday, the eastbound carriageway of the A31 was closed for more than an hour while emergency services carried out further work on accident investigation.

Hampshire Police have appealed for witnesses to contact Sergeant Andy Tester in the road policing unit at Whitchurch Police Station on 101, quoting Operation Calvert, if they have any information about the accident.

Alternatively, they can contact the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.