A WOMAN was killed today in a crash on the A14 in Suffolk – the third fatality this week – and a tragedy that brings the total of deaths so far this year in the county to 50.

By Lisa Baxter

A WOMAN was killed today in a crash on the A14 in Suffolk – the third fatality this week – and a tragedy that brings the total of deaths so far this year in the county to 50.

The accident happened on the A14 just outside Newmarket and police this afternoon said the dead woman came from the Cambridgeshire area and was 45 years old.

She had been driving a VW golf when the crash happened just before 8.30am.

Only 14 hours earlier an elderly man died in hospital after his car collided with a telegraph pole on a remote Suffolk road in Grundisburgh.

The accident happened at around 6pm yesterday on Stoney Road between Grundisburgh and Swilland.

The crash victim, who came from the Grundisburgh area, was helped at the scene by a passing motorist who drove him home.

The victim was later taken to Ipswich Hospital where he died.

Police are appealing for the motorist who helped the injured man to contact them.

Wendy Hickford, 60, who has lived near the accident scene for 20 years, said a series of vehicles had collided with the pole, situated at a bend in the road, in the past.

"That post has been hit a number of times," she said. "I don't know if anyone has been seriously hurt before but they've tended to be larger vehicles.

"Over the years, it's happened quite often."

Mrs Hickford said she saw an abandoned vehicle beside the pole when she drove home along Stoney Road at around 6.30pm last night. There was no sign of the driver she said.

Broken glass today lay at the spot where the collision happened as workmen arrived to assess damage to the pole.

Witnesses to the crash or the motorist who stopped to help should contact Pc 705 Barrett of Ipswich Police on 01473 613500.

This morning's accident happened on the eastbound carriageway just outside of Newmarket shortly before 8.25am. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

There were delays to traffic for several hours as two of the three lanes of carriageway were blocked off while emergency services attended the scene.

Anyone who can help police with their inquries into the fatality should telephone 01284 774224.

Meanwhile, the twin of the lorry driver from Kent killed in a collision on the A140 has paid tribute to the brother he called his best friend.

Jason Parker, from Larkfield, died at the scene of the accident which happened on Monday. His lorry was in a head-on crash with a car on the now infamous Ipswich to Norwich Road.

His twin, Richard, said: "I haven't just lost a brother I have lost a best

friend. Jason was a brave and lovely man and a devoted father who will be

missed by all his family and friends."

Jason, who only became a father eight weeks ago, leaves his girl

friend Beth Watkins and daughter Sophie-Jay.

"He cherished his baby and Beth," said Richard. "The whole family is

deeply shocked by what has happened," he added.

Mr Parker was pronounced dead at the scene by police at around 1pm and

taken to Ipswich Hospital. An inquest will be held.

This afternoon the funeral took place of another victim of Suffolk's roads today.

Murrell Keys, 18, of Orford Road, Bromeswell, near Woodbridge, died following an accident involving his motorcycle and a bus in Station Road, Framlingham, at about 6.30pm on Saturday, November 24.

This year already 50 people have been killed on the county's roads. Last year 56 people died.