UPDATE: Man named in New Year crash

Andris Liepa, 28, died after the car he was travelling in plunged down a railway embankment and collided with a tree.

The tragic accident happened at around 7.20am on Wednesday when a silver Lexus travelling along Station Road towards Kirkham left the road close to Kirkham and Wesham Railway Station.

Mr Liepa, who lived in Wesham but was originally from Latvia, was pronounced dead at the scene.

It is believed he had been a passenger in the vehicle.

Two other men who were in the car with him were taken to Royal Preston Hospital for treatment.

One remains in hospital with an injury to his pelvis, while the other man has since been discharged.

A 31-year-old man from Wesham has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and is still in police custody.

Officers from Lancashire Police’s Road Policing Unit closed the road on Wednesday morning while they investigated the scene.

Sgt James Power, who is leading the investigation said: “This is an incredibly tragic incident.

“It is especially sad that it has occurred on New Year’s Day and our thoughts are with the man’s family at this time.

“An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision is now under way.

“I would appeal to anybody who witnessed it or has any information which could assist us to come forward.”

Police said there was no other vehicle involved in yesterday’s accident

Wesham councillor Linda Nulty said she was shocked to hear about the accident.

Coun Nulty, who is also the Fylde Mayor, said: “This is a very tragic incident, especially for it to happen on New Year’s Day.

“There is a big Latvian community in Wesham, many of whom work at the Kepak meat processing plant on St George’s Park in Kirkham, and they are a valued part of our town.

“A lot of them have children in our schools and it will be very sad if this is one of our parents.

“It is an awful thing to happen and we will be thinking of the family of this man.

“Where the accident happened is not a dangerous part of the road, and we now have a 20mph limit there.”

Coun Liz Oades, who represents Kirkham South, said: “It is very sad to hear there has been a fatal accident, especially at this time of the year.

“That road hasn’t got a bad accident record and I can’t remember the last time I heard of anything like this happening there.”

Anybody with any information is urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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