AN eight-year-old Portugese girl was one of two people killed today in a crash on the A14 which devastated a family. An 18-month-old child was among five others injured in the tragedy.

AN eight-year-old girl and a man have been killed today after a morning of carnage on the A14.

Erica Martins Andrade, eight, and her father Jose Gomes Costa, 30, were killed in an early morning collision which caused major delays on Suffolk's roads.

Mr Costa lived in Wherstead Road, Ipswich and his daughter arrived in the country yesterday from Portugal.

An 18-month-old infant was also seriously injured but their injuries are not life threatening.

Ambulance and police were called to the Ipswich-bound carriageway of the road just past the A140 turn-off at around 1.30am today after reports of a serious multi-vehicle collision.

Sergeant Paul Ward, investigating officer, said the collision had initially involved a Ford Escort and a deer.

He said: “There were subsequent collisions which involved principally a red Peugeot 306 which has gone off the road to the nearside and the passengers in that vehicle have been ejected.

“Unfortunately two of the people in that car have been killed as a result.”

It is possible the deceased were hit by other vehicles following the collision.

They were travelling in the Peugeot with four others, including the baby, all of whom were seriously injured.

The baby was also taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital where it is undergoing specialist care although its injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

The baby, and the two people that died, are all thought to be from the same family.

Sgt Ward said the driver of the Escort was not injured.

The other casualties were less seriously injured and their injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

They are all being treated at Ipswich Hospital.

Evening Star photographer Phil Morley arrived on scene about 7am and said he could see items, including what appeared to be a doll or a teddy, strewn across the carriageway.

He said: “There were a few bits and pieces scattered around but I couldn't make them out because the police were keeping me away.

“There was a dolly or a teddy there so children were obviously involved.”

Police would not release details of the injured parties or the deceased and said there were not definite details of the number of vehicles involved.

Motorists were expected to face major delays during the morning rush-hour as the road was closed so accident investigations could take place.

The carriageway was shut between the junctions with the A1120 at Stowmarket and the B1113 at Claydon.

Traffic was being diverted along the B1113 and back on to the A14 at Claydon.

Traffic travelling towards Ipswich on the A140 was diverted along the A1120 at Earl Stonham, to pick up the diversion route and join the A14 at Claydon.

The road was expected to remain closed until at least 9am.

Fire crews were not called to the collision.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision and anyone who may have driven past the accident scene in the moments following the crash to contact them.

They also want motorists to examine their vehicles and if they notice anything unusual to get in touch.

Anyone with information should call Sgt Ward at Martlesham Roads Policing Unit on 01473 613500.

Did you witness the collision or the aftermath? Call The Evening Star newsdesk on 01473 324788 or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk