SUFFOLK'S roads claimed their 50th casualty in just ten months when a woman was killed in a head-on collision with a tree.The female passenger of an R-reg Nissan was killed in the incident, which happened just before midnight on New Road, in Worlingworth.

SUFFOLK'S roads claimed their 50th casualty in just ten months when a woman was killed in a head-on collision with a tree.

The female passenger of an R-reg Nissan was killed in the incident, which happened just before midnight on New Road, in Worlingworth.

The woman, in her mid 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene, while a male driver, also in his 40s, was taken to Ipswich Hospital with hand injuries. It is not thought the man's injuries are serious.

No other vehicles were involved in the incident, which blocked the road while scene was cleared and the victims treated. The accident happened near to the junction with Church Road.

The fire service was not called to the incident as there were no reports of anyone being trapped in the carnage.

The dead woman is not being named at present as relatives were today still being informed of the news. Both the dead woman and the male driver are Suffolk residents.

Yesterday's crash comes less than a week after a mother and her three children when the car they were travelling in spun off the road into a water-filled dyke at Kenny Hill, near Mildenhall.

This year's death total on Suffolk roads is already seven more than were claimed in the whole of last year, when 43 people were killed.

In 2001, 53 people lost their lives.

Police are appealing for witnesses to yesterday's crash to call them on 01473 613500.