Tributes to Maidstone taxi driver Brian Maitland after fatal crash near Staplehurst also left female passenger dead
The family of a taxi driver who died in a horrific crash that
also killed a female passenger have today paid tribute to him.
Father-of-two Brian Maitland was fatally injured in a three-car
crash on a country road near Staplehurst on Tuesday evening.
The 63-year-old grandfather, from Maidstone, died at the scene
alongside a 47-year-old front seat passenger, also from the
town.
Today, Mr Maitland's family spoke of their heartache in
a statement.
They said: "He was a keen gardener who enjoyed growing his
own flowers and vegetables from seed.
"He was an active member of the Foresters Friendly Society and
enjoyed organising events for them.
“Happiest spending time with his family and friends, he will be
forever missed."
Mr Maitland leaves wife Linda and two sons. A post mortem
will take place next week.
An 18-year-old woman in the back of the taxi was also seriously
injured in the crash in Cranbrook Road, at Knox Bridge, at
just before 7.30pm.
She was airlifted to a London hospital, where she remains
in a stable condition today. Her injuries are not
life-threatening.
The scene of a fatal
crash on the A229 Cranbrook Road in Knox Bridge
The drivers of the other two cars were treated for minor
injuries.
The driver of a Chrysler, a Maidstone man in his 40s, and a
woman in her mid-40s from the Maidstone area driving a
Ford Galaxy were treated for minor injuries.
The vehicles crashed on a section of road that is a
continuation of the A229 between Frittenden and Staplehurst.
A two-mile section of Cranbrook Road was closed for forensic
examination between Pinnock Lane, near the petrol station, and
the cafe at Knox Bridge.
Witnesses are asked to phone Kent Police on 101 or the Serious
Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798535.
06/03/13
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