A PEDESTRIAN was killed after being hit by a lorry and a driver died following a separate crash within a matter of hours.

Police and paramedics rushed to the scene on the A127 at Rayleigh Weir on Friday afternoon, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

A motorist also died following a second road smash in Courtauld Road, Basildon, just hours later, at about 7.30pm on Friday.

Referring to the Rayleigh Weir death, a spokesman for Essex Police, said: “Emergency services arrived, but sadly the pedestrian had died at the scene.”

Police thanked motorists for their patience as the A127 was closed in both directions and up to six miles of tailbacks were reported.

Dozens of police were at the scene at the Rayleigh Weir underpass.

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service, said: “We were called today at 2.22pm to the A127, Rayleigh with reports of a fatal collision.

“We sent multiple resources to help on scene.”

Police were also called shortly after 7.30pm on Friday with reports of a collision in Courtauld Road, Basildon, involving a white Kia Optima and a lorry.

Despite the efforts of paramedics at the scene, the Kia driver, a man in his 40s, died.

No arrests have been made, police say.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances around the collision.

In relation to the Rayleigh Weir incident, an Essex Police spokesman said: “We would like to hear from anyone who has any information about the incident particularly those with dash cam footage.

“Please contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101 quoting incident 631 of February 21 or by emailing collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk”

For the incident in Courtauld Road, Basildon on Friday evening, quote incident 1185 of February 21 or by emailing collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk