A police traffic officer called to the scene of a horror crash which killed 23-year-old Westbury man Ben Morton described it as one of the worst he has seen.

Mr Morton, 23, died instantly when his Ford Scorpio crashed into a tractor and trailer carrying concrete building slabs on the A350 between Cley Hill and Granada Services roundabout on Monday.

The tractor driver was airlifted to the Royal United Hospital in Bath suffering from shock and minor injuries.

Acting Sergeant Mark Morrison, of the Southern Roads Policing Unit, said: “The driver of the JCB was unconscious for a while, although he regained consciousness by the time he left. But when people have been unconscious for a while it is better that they are checked over in hospital.

“I can say that it was probably one of the worst crashes we have seen for many years.”

Police closed the road for eight hours while they carried out an investigation and are appealing for witnessesto come forward.

Fire crews from Warminster, an emergency support unit from Trowbridge, doctors from the Basics team and representatives from Vosa, a vehicle examination unit for commercial vehicles, were called to the scene.

Chris Trimby, retained fire station manager in Warminster, said: “The car was extensively damaged and there was quite a lot of debris around.

“The JCB was quite extensively damaged as well and I think that shows the impact was pretty extensive.

“Any person who dies in a car crash is always tragic, the actual state of the car doesn’t make much difference.”

Mr Morton’s death has reignited fears over safety on the Warminster Bypass, including the A350 and A36, which is now so notorious it has been dubbed as Death Valley.

There have been campaigns for speed limit reductions and better road signage.

Cllr Mike Hawkins, mayor of Westbury, said: “It is tragic when anybody is killed in a road accident but it is a double tragedy when it is someone so young.

“I am desperately sorry for the family and friends of Ben. It is a horrendous time for them and I can only hope that God’s peace will settle on them.”

Inspector David Minty, of Warminster and Westbury Police, reiterated the dangers on the trunk roads around Warminster.

“The Warminster Bypass is a notoriously dangerous stretch of road for motorists judging on the number of collisions and fatalities we have seen over the last few years,” he said.

“It is a road where drivers should take extra precautions and drive according to the conditions.

“A long stretch of road is particularly tempting for people wishing to overtake but there are a number of blind spots where it is difficult to assess the oncoming traffic.

“Of course not all collisions on that road are because of impatient or reckless driving, but it is wise for all motorists to be particularly aware of their own driving and the actions of others on this stretch of road to avoid further fatalities.”

Police have asked witnesses to call the Southern Roads Policing Unit on 01722 435208.