NR Evans driver killed on A5

NR Evans experienced its first fatality in 28 years of trading, after of one of the company’s drivers was killed on the A5 last Friday (6 January).

Luke Carter, who had worked for 18 years at the Llanelli-based chilled food specialist, was killed when his 44-tonne MAN tractor unit and trailer crashed into four stationary HGVs parked in a layby on the southbound carriageway of the A5.

The incident took place at around 1.40am between Kilsby and the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal. Police confirm that 47-year-old Carter, who worked out of the company’s South Wales depot, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A statement sent to Commercialmotor.com from NR Evans says the company is “very shocked and saddened by the tragic death of one of our long-term drivers”.

“The thoughts of everyone at NR Evans are with Luke’s family and friends. Our priority at this time is to offer as much help and support as need to Luke’s family.

"It is also a very difficult time for Luke’s colleagues and we are trying to ensure that our drivers are being well supported,” the company adds.

Neil Evans, founder and MD of NR Evans, says: “Luke ap Carter, I will always remember you as a proud Welshman. I employed you back in ’94 and during your time with us you drove 42 thousand hours covering 1.6 million miles without incident. Such a sad loss of a friend and colleague."

Anyone with information or who witnessed this incident is asked to call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615 or Northamptonshire Police on 101.