A TAXI driver has died following a crash on the A350.

The 48-year-old man from Swindon, who worked for Cross Street Cars, died at the scene after his Ford Mondeo collided with a lorry at Beanacre, near Melksham, on Monday.

His passenger, a 79-year-old woman from the Chippenham area, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol by air ambulance.

The incident took place near the Beechfield House hotel just after 1.15pm. Wiltshire Police are appealing for witnesses.

The road was closed in both directions as three Dorset and Wiltshire fire crews from Corsham and Chippenham and a heavy rescue unit from Trowbridge freed the two people trapped in the car.

Police immediately urged motorists to avoid the A350, warning people that the road would be closed “for the foreseeable” future.

Debris was strewn across the road and the front of car was completely destroyed.

The white MAN truck also suffered significant damage to the front bumper, although the driver’s cab remained largely intact.

It is understood that the taxi was travelling towards Chippenham. The lorry belonged to Ash Logistics Ltd, a Watford-based furniture delivery firm.

The road was closed in both directions for several hours, leaving motorists to find alternative routes.