A football fan has spoken out after getting caught up in a 'traumatic' crash that killed a driver on his way back from a match in Brighton.
Life-long Southampton F.C. supporter Brandon Foster was largely unscathed while his two friends were rushed to hospital after their Uber taxi was crushed by a Volvo XC90 on the A27 in Fontwell, West Sussex.
The trio were travelling back to Hedge End on Friday night after watching Russell Martin's side draw with Brighton and Hove Albion F.C. at the Amex Stadium.
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At midnight, Brandon was nodding off when he suddenly awoke to a ‘massive bang’ and shards of glass flying through the air.
The 23-year-old said that the seriousness of the crash became clear when he turned around to see his friend’s face ‘covered in blood'.
He said: “It was a really traumatic experience and I’m lucky that I was not in any pain at the time despite having a few cuts and bruises.
“My two friends in the back were much worse off than me – one has a serious head injury and the other has some internal bleeding.
“I have been back up to Brighton to visit them in hospital. Thankfully, both are slowly but surely recovering from what happened.”
The Volvo was heading east when it flipped over into the westbound carriageway and landed on the Skoda with Brandon and his friends inside.
Police confirmed the driver of the Volvo, a 38-year-old man from Rustington, West Sussex, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Brandon said: “It's really tragic that someone died, so my thoughts are with that person’s family."
He added: “Most of our other mates who went up to Brighton with us decided to stay out in the city and go out drinking.
“We thought we were doing the responsible thing by coming home early.”
A blue Vauxhall was also damaged. The Uber driver and the Vauxhall driver were also treated for minor injuries.
The A27 was closed through the night while the road was cleared and police gathered evidence.
This comes as Sussex Police launch an appeal for information.
A force spokesperson said: “If you witnessed the collision, or have footage of the incident, we ask you contact police.”
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