A van driver who died in a three-vehicle smash near Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, was named today.

Christopher Haines, 56, of Woodstock Road, Begbroke, was driving his Nissan van towards Oxford along the A44 when the accident happened.

A Peugeot 205 and a truck - believed to be owned by Southern Electric - collided and the truck, which was heading for Woodstock, overturned before crashing into the van.

Mr Haines was declared dead at the scene and the car driver, a woman in her 20s, had to be cut from wreckage by firemen. She was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, with serious injuries.

Two people in the lorry were also injured, one seriously.

The A44 was closed in both directions between Woodstock and the Bladon Roundabout for more than four hours after the crash. Police want witnesses to call them on 01865 266723

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