A DRIVER died after his car severed a lamp-post, turned 180 degrees and smashed into a tree.

Police and fire crews rushed to the scene at Red Lees Road, Cliviger at 10pm on Saturday and firefighters freed the driver.

An ambulance team tried to resuscitate 25-year-old Kevin Barry Ganley, of The Poplars, Hurstwood, but he was dead on arrival at Burnley General Hospital.

Firemen also put out a small fire which had started inside the VW Jetta car as a result of the damage to the engine compartment.

The accident site was strewn with debris from the car and the lamp-post column was left in a field.

The police helicopter was called out to light the scene and a thermal imaging camera was used to check nearby fields to see if any passengers had been in the vehicle.

The road was sealed off and a diversion was set up for a short period of time.

Mr Ganley, a machine operator, had been travelling from Burnley in the direction of Cliviger when he appeared to lose control negotiating a right hand bend. A witness driving in the opposite direction saw the accident.

Mr Ganley has been identified by his father. His wife, Victoria was away on business in Germany when the accident happened.

Relatives met her at Manchester airport and informed her of the tragedy.

Police are appealing for witnesses to contact them on 01282 425001.

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