Driver dies after hitting lamppost (From Wharfedale Observer)

32-year-old pronounced dead at scene following collision

9:30am Thursday 5th July 2012 in Local news By Annette McIntyre

A 32-year-old man died after crashing into a lamppost on the A65 at Guiseley.

The man, from Bingley, received fatal injuries when the blue Peugeot 307 he was driving collided with the lamppost near the junction with Nunroyd Avenue at about 6am yesterday. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police were not releasing details of the dead man until relatives had been informed, though tributes were yesterday being paid on social media sites to the victim, whom friends named as Rob Dryden.

Police are appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw the car in the moments leading up to the crash.

Firefighters from Rawdon and Shipley stations were called to the scene outside West Side retail park.

Watch commander Rob Hart, of Rawdon fire station, said his crew was the first to arrive at the scene and tried to resuscitate the man, who was trapped in the car, until colleagues from Shipley arrived.

An ambulance service spokeswoman said they sent an ambulance and a doctor to the incident but did not transport anybody to hospital.

Leeds Road was closed from Kirk Lane. Traffic was redirected from West Side retail park, causing delays on side roads.

Police carried out an investigation at the scene throughout the morning. The sound of skid tests could be heard on the otherwise silent main road. People living close by described how they were woken by a loud band.

Another neighbour said: “It was an incredibly loud noise, and we’ve been told someone has died in the crash. It’s an awful thing for any family to have to deal with.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team on (01924) 293047 or via 101.