Pall-Ex said its quick-thinking driver had averted a major accident on the M25 this week after a van driver suffered a medical emergency.

The logistics company said the driver witnessed the van weaving across the near side lane and hard shoulder of the London orbital motorway near Heathrow on Monday (18 March).

He then spotted the driver slumped over the steering wheel and so he used his trailer to slow the van down and guide it to a halt.

Pall-Ex said its driver then accessed the stricken vehicle in order to release the unconscious van driver’s foot from the accelerator and provide aid.

In a statement, the pallet delivery network said: “Unfortunately, the driver of the van lost his life in this incident from what appeared to be natural causes and our deepest sympathies go to his family and friends.

“The Pall-Ex driver’s quick reactions following this medical emergency averted a major accident occurring which was recognised by the police both on the scene and since the unfortunate incident occurred.

The statement added: “We have fully co-operated with the authorities and are supporting our driver following this traumatic event.”

The Metropolitan police said they were called to the scene of a collision between a lorry and a van on the clockwise M25 between junctions 14 and 15 at around 9.35am.

“Officers attended along with London Ambulance Service paramedics, who performed CPR on the driver of the van, a man believed to be in his 70s,” the police said.

“Despite their best efforts the man died at the scene. The driver of the truck did not suffer any serious injuries.

“No arrests have been made.”

The Met added that it was keen to hear from any witnesses or those with dashcam footage.

They are asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting 2484/18MAR.

Alternatively, witnesses can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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