A pensioner died when his car plunged into a swollen river in torrential rain, it emerged today.
Graham Gilson, 70, was driving a silver Nissan Note when he came off the A1123 at Earith, Cambs., on Saturday evening and plunged in to the River Great Ouse.
He was pulled from the water by a member of the public, who started CPR before paramedics arrrived, but died on the way to hospital.
His death came as heavy downpours and severe flooding blighted areas across the UK with many families forced to evacuate their homes.
Roads affected by surface water included the A1096 at Harrison Way – close to the location of the fatal crash – which had a temporary closure in place.
A spokesman for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “The weather was very bad at the time with heavy rain but we cannot confirm at this stage whether the weather was the direct cause.”
Cambridgeshire Constabulary today described Mr Gilson’s death as a “tragic accident.”
A spokesman said: “We are investigating and would like to hear from anyone who saw the crash or the vehicle just prior.”
The spokesman said it was not clear what caused the crash, but weather conditions would be considered as part of the investigation.
He added: “This particular accident could have happened at any time of year.
“The cause is being investigated. The road conditions will be investigated as part of our enquiries.
“It was a tragic accident.”
Mr Gillson, from Somersham, Cambs., came off the B1050 Shelfords Road near between Earith and Willingham at 4.50pm on Saturday.
