AN 18-year-old Alton College student was killed when his car collided with a lorry on the A339 Alton to Basingstoke road on Tuesday.

The accident happened at around 11-15 am, near the turning for Beech, approximately two miles outside of Alton.

Thomas Harrison, a student from Broomleaf Road, Farnham, was driving his Vauxhall Corsa towards Alton when, for reasons unknown at this stage, his car crossed into the opposte carriageway.

The Corsa was struck broadside-on by a tanker lorry coming in the opposite direction, killing Mr Harrison instantly.

The lorry, which is designed to transport agricultural fertiliser, was empty a the time of the crash.

The driver of the tanker, Gary Lewis (34) from Great Yarmouth, suffered severe shock but was not hospitalised. He has since been admitted to hospital in Norfolk suffering from back pain.

Emergency services were called to the scene of the crash, including a police crash-investigation unit. The road remained closed for four hours while the vehicles were recovered and evidence gathered.

Pc Mike Batten of Whitehill traffic police, who is dealing with the incident, said: ÒThe investigation into the crash is ongoing, and we would like to speak to anyone who saw the crash, who saw the vehicles prior to the crash, or anyone with any information at all to give.

ÒIt is not clear at this time exactly why Mr HarrisonÕs car crossed into the opposite carriageway. There will be an inquest into the death, but a date for this has not yet been set.Ó

Anyone with information should contact Pc Batten at Whitehill traffic police on 0845 045 45 45.