A PENSIONER died in hospital last night following an accident on the A19.
William Robinson, 77, of Thornley, County Durham, was airlifted to the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, following the accident, shortly before 10am.
The accident happened when a Ford Sierra towing a trailer full of racing pigeons broke down in the outside lane of the southbound carriageway, near Middlesbrough.
Mr Robinson had climbed into the back of the trailer, for reasons which are, as yet, unclear, when it was struck by a silver BMW.
He sustained serious leg injuries, pelvic fractures and chest injuries and died just after 7pm.
Another man, who was accompanying Mr Robinson, was also taken to hospital suffering from severe shock.
The driver of the BMW did not require hospital treatment.
The interchange, between Middlesbrough and Thornaby, near Stockton, was closed in both directions as a Great North Air Ambulance rushed to the scene, and did not fully re-open until 2pm.
Police are investigating how the accident happened and are appealing for witnesses. Anyone who can help is asked to call the crash investigation unit on (01642) 301558.
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