A GOOD Samaritan was killed after he stopped to help the victims of a road accident – and was himself struck by a passing car.The accident happened on the Colchester-bound stretch of the A12, near the Four Sisters Farm turn off at East Bergholt, at around 9.

A GOOD Samaritan was killed after he stopped to help the victims of a road accident – and was himself struck by a passing car.

The accident happened on the Colchester-bound stretch of the A12, near the Four Sisters Farm turn off at East Bergholt, at around 9.45pm yesterday.

The dead man is thought to have been from the Colchester area. Five other people were taken to Ipswich Hospital, two with serious injuries.

Police officers, ambulance crews, paramedics and firefighters all raced to the scene and diversions were set up while the accident was dealt with.

Inspector Mike Hinshelwood, of Suffolk Police, said: "What appears to have happened is that a Vauxhall Vectra which was travelling southbound on the A12 left the road and turned upside down.

"That was a straightforward accident, and there were at least four people inside the vehicle.

"A Rover Maestro Van travelling northbound came across the accident and the driver stopped and went to give assistance.

"Unfortunately a BMW travelling southbound collided with him and he suffered fatal injuries.

"At the moment we have one confirmed fatality. I'm told by the hospital that two other people have pretty serious injuries but we don't know whether they are life threatening.

"The road will be closed for the forseeable future and diversions are being set up. An accident investigation is already under way.

"It is a hugely tragic thing to happen."

The scene stretched over a quarter of a mile, though emergency services were concentrating on a 200-yard area near the East Bergholt turn-off.

At 11.20pm, at least 12 police vehicles were at the scene. The wreckage of a silver car lay on its roof facing the wrong way in the carriageway.

The remains of the vehicle were illuminated by both portable lights erected around it and a tall floodlight rising from the back of a fire engine.

About 150 yards back towards Ipswich, another fire appliance stood with around 15 officers working.

Meanwhile accident investigators were examining remains of the upturned vehicle, and experts peered through the wreckage with torches.

Police also scoured vegetation at the side of the road. Shortly afterwards, a covered body was placed in a black private ambulance by officers.

Anyone who witnessed the accidents is being urged to call Suffolk police on 01473 613500.