Man killed in collision named

A young driver killed in a headon crash on the A229 near Linton has been named as Madalin-Constantin Lungoci.

The 22-year-old Hastings man was involved in a collision near the junction with Stilebridge Lane, where the road crosses the River Beult, on December 4.

Opening an inquest into the tragedy this week, senior coroner Patricia Harding said Mr Lungoci had been travelling towards Maidstone when his silver Ford Fiesta was struck by a red Citroen C4 travelling in the opposite direction.

The driver of that car had been overtaking other vehicles near a bend in the road when they lost control, Mrs Harding said.

Mr Lungoci, of Queens Road, died from multiple injuries. He is the fifth person to have lost their life on the same stretch of the A229 in less than five years.

The driver of the Citroen was taken to hospital with minor wounds. The inquest was adjourned until March 19.

Police have not arrested anyone, but officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for witnesses to contact them.

Anyone yet to speak to police, or who may have dash cam footage, should call the witness appeal line on 01622 798538.

Alternatively email sciu.td@ kent.pnn.police.uk quoting reference number AH/SM/273/17.