A COMMUNITY has spoken of its sadness after a woman died in a crash on the A35.

The women died in the four-car pile-up on the Charmouth bypass on Sunday evening.

The road was closed while the emergency services worked.

The crash at around 5.36pm on Sunday involved a black BMW estate, a silver Volvo estate, a blue Peugeot Allure and a blue Honda CR-V.

Officers said that the driver of the BMW, a 68-year-old woman from Sussex, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed and the coroner notified.

The driver of the Volvo sustained minor injuries and was taken to Dorset County Hospital.

The driver of the Peugeot was also taken to Dorset County Hospital for treatment.

Police officers added that a female passenger and five teenagers also travelling in the car, all from the Hampshire area, were uninjured.

The driver of the Honda and a passenger, both from the Bournemouth area, were checked over by paramedics at the scene but did not sustain any injuries.

Police said that no arrests have been made and they are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the crash to come forward.

Community representatives said they were sadden to hear of the tragic incident and gave their condolences.

Parliamentary candidate for West Dorset, Oliver Letwin, said: "This is a tragic reminder that the A35 is a road which poses real challenges both for motorists and for those living alongside it. Our emergency services do a terrific job, but they cannot always prevent disaster."

Peter Noel, Chairman of Charmouth Parish Council, said: “It is very sad and our thoughts are with all those involved.” He paid tribute to the emergency services.

West Dorset District Council leader Anthony Alford said he was ‘very sorry’ to hear of the ‘tragic events’ and said his thoughts were with the family of the lady.

Police Constable Fern Graham, said they were appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or the manner of driving of any of the vehicles leading up to the collision to come forward.

PC Graham, of the traffic unit, said: "We would like to thank motorists for their patience during the road closures which were necessary to allow officers to examine the scene and for paramedics to care for those involved."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101 quoting incident number 14:353

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