A PASSENGER in a lorry was crushed to death when an oak tree fell on the cab. Richard King, 20, from Chatham, died in the freak accident when the two-ton tree hit the vehicle after the driver had pulled over to take a rest.

The driver managed to escape but Mr King was trapped inside the small tanker. Police believe rain may have loosened the roots of the tree, causing it to fall on the A224 at Halstead, near Sevenoaks.

Police Inspector Kevin Clarke said: "This was a tragic and absolute freak accident. We understand the two men had been on a night job and were resting in a layby near the tree before going to the next job. They fell asleep and the first thing the driver knew what had happened was when he heard the crashing sound."

Mr King was confirmed dead at the scene. The driver was unhurt but treated by an ambulance crew for shock.

The tragedy happened just before 7.30am on Thursday. An inquest will be held.