A YOUNG man died and three others were seriously injured following a horrific head-on smash along one of the county’s busiest roads.

The 19-year-old, named locally as Ben Andrews, was driving a red VW Golf with two passengers along the A354, just north of Blandford’s Pimperne roundabout when the collision took place.

Tragically the Blandford man was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at Poole Hospital.

His passengers, an 18-year-old man and woman, were treated by paramedics at the scene and rushed to Poole Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Residents of nearby Letton Close were among the first to witness the aftermath of the accident, that happened along a straight section of the single lane 40mph road at 9.40pm on Monday evening.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “I heard a tremendous crash and my first thought was that something must have fallen over in the house.

“Then we rushed outside and saw the cars. One of my other neighbours started directing the traffic and the fire crew and ambulance arrived really quickly.

“They do travel really fast along here and we often hear squealing brakes and tyres.”

Officers quickly sealed off the area and the road remaining closed for six hours to enable ongoing investigations.

The woman passenger suffered a suspected broken pelvis while the male passenger sustained seat belt injuries.

Meanwhile, the driver of the other vehicle involved – a Citroen C4 – sustained serious injuries and was taken to Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “Anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the vehicles prior to the collision are being asked to call Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident 407.”

•A steady stream of shocked well-wishers placed floral tributes at the crash site yesterday and words of condolence were posted on social media websites.

One tribute at the scene, from Sammy, said: “I cannot believe this has happened. You will be missed by so many people. Take care up there. Sleep tight.”

Another simply stated: “Ben, we will never forget you. Hugs and kisses.”

• The 19-year-old Citroen driver, from Blandford, has been arrested on suspicion of motoring offences and released on bail.