Passenger killed and driver critically hurt as car hits barrier on Black Country Route
A young man has died and another is fighting for his life in hospital after a crash on one of the Black Country's busiest roads.
A white BMW M5 hit the central reservation on the A463 Black Country Route at around 8.45pm on Monday.
A front-seat passenger in the car, aged in his 20s, was cut free by firefighters and treated by paramedics but was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the car, aged in his 40s, was taken to hospital where he remained on Tuesday in a critical condition.
The road was cordoned off for around seven hours in the aftermath of the crash, which happened near Halfords and BAC Wolverhampton at Bessemer Close.
Police tape was in place across the dual carriageway as collision investigators examined the scene and the road was reopened just before 4am.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said that the victim's family had been informed, adding: "We have already spoken to a number of witnesses but we'd ask anyone else who has information or dash-cam footage from around the time of the collision to get in contact with us.
"If you can help, please message us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk, or call 101, quoting log 4210."
Firefighters from Bilston and Dudley attended, while the ambulance service sent two ambulances, two paramedic officers and a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival, we discovered two patients, both men.
“The first, a passenger in the car, was extricated from the car by fire service colleagues. However, upon assessment it sadly became clear that nothing more could be done to save him and he was confirmed deceased at the scene.
“The second man, the driver of the car, was assessed and had sustained serious injuries, he received advanced trauma care on scene and was conveyed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment.”
A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman added: "One occupant had been extricated from the vehicle and taken to hospital, and very sadly despite the efforts of paramedics, another occupant died at the scene. Our firefighters used specialist cutting equipment to help free the casualty from the vehicle. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family at this time."
