THE driver of a German-registered heavy goods vehicle is being questioned by Kent Police today after he was involved in a crash in which a car driver died.

The collision happened in Churchill Avenue, Folkestone, shortly after midnight. The victim was a 27-year-old man who lived in Folkestone. He was pronounced dead at the scene. He has not yet been named.

The lorry driver, who was not hurt, was taken into police custody for questioning.

It is believed the lorry had come off the M20 motorway as the Roundhill Tunnels at Folkestone were closed due to maintenance work and a diversion meant traffic was directed along Churchill Avenue.

The accident resulted in the spillage of 500 litres of diesel from the lorry which meant Churchill Avenue, from the Sainsbury’s Park Farm roundabout to the A260 roundabout, was closed.

Initially firefighters used specialist equipment to clear the fuel but they left the scene at 3am. The clear up was then handed over to the Environment Agency and Shepway District Council.

South East Kent Police have spoken to three witnesses with the Serious Collision Investigation Unit looking into the tragedy. An inquest will be held.