A man died and a woman was seriously injured after a horrific head-on vehicle smash in Warwick early yesterday.

According to reports, the victim was driving the woman home in her car to save her driving after she'd enjoyed a night out.

The car they were travelling in burst into flames after colliding with a truck on South Shore Road, near The Swizzle restaurant, around 1.30 a.m.

The 44-year-old man was trapped inside when the vehicle flipped over, and died at the scene.

The woman passenger was medevaced off the Island later yesterday, while a male passenger was released after hospital treatment.

The truck driver and his male passenger, who were not seriously hurt, were subsequently arrested.

The identity of the dead man had not been released by the Police by press time.

Although his family and friends spoke to this newspaper to pay tribute, we've respected their requests not to publish his name until the Police do.

According to the man's aunt, he was driving the female victim a childhood friend home after she'd been out at the Swizzle and Henry VIII bars.

"He was the kindest, warmest-hearted person you ever want to meet," said the aunt. "You could not find a better, more respectful person. What's so ironic here is that he was trying to save her from driving. He was driving so she would not have to."

By yesterday afternoon, dozens of friends had signed a large tribute sheet pinned up at the scene. One told The Royal Gazette: "He was very friendly, always helping somebody in need."

A full tribute to the dead man, who lived and worked near the scene of his death in Warwick, will be published as soon as Police have officially confirmed his identity.

A spokesman said yesterday: "Details remain unclear. However, it appears that the vehicles were travelling in opposite directions on South Road when they collided and that there were three people in the car and two people in the truck at the time.

"After the collision the car burst into flames. Two of the car's occupants were initially treated at KEMH for their injuries. The male passenger was later released while the other passenger, a 29-year-old Warwick woman whose injuries are considered serious but not life threatening, has been flown overseas for further medical treatment."

The spokesman added: "The driver of the truck, believed to be a 24-year-old Southampton man and his male passenger were subsequently arrested. Their injuries are unknown but not believed to be serious."

The spokesman declined to comment on unconfirmed reports that the truck occupants fled from the scene after the collision, stating: "Since the investigation into the matter is ongoing I am not in a position to address those allegations at this time."

Both vehicles were extensively damaged and debris was left strewn across the area after the collision. South Road from Warwick Lane to Dunscombe Road was closed to all traffic until 12.30 p.m. Shocked local resident Greg Wright, 50, who lives on South Road, said: "About 1.30 a.m I heard the fire truck. It was in front and two Police cars were behind. They got ninety (in speed) coming down South Shore and I knew it was something serious."

Rosalie Williams, 80, who lives in nearby Dunscombe Road, heard the news from neighbours later in the morning. Speaking to The Royal Gazette as it began to sink in, she said: "I've been shocked all morning. When I came outside and heard and saw what was going on it's really something. It's so sad. When anything happens like that I'm all to pieces."

Last year was the worst in a decade for road fatalities, with 17 people losing their lives. Yesterday's fatality is the fifth of the year so far, and the fourth in the space of just two weeks.

The other victims were all motorcyclists, with yesterday's car death being a relatively rare occurrence for Bermuda.

Premier Ewart Brown said: "I am saddened to hear of the loss of life on our roads over the weekend. We are awaiting more details from investigators.

"This serves as another reminder that no policy or legislation can replace consistent caution on the part of every individual motorist. My thoughts and prayers are with the families impacted by this tragedy."

Shadow Minister for Transport Michael Fahy said he'd received the news with great shock and sadness. "Whilst the circumstances remain unclear, the scant details released thus far are of nightmare proportions," he said. "I extend sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and hope that those injured make a rapid recovery."

Bermuda's road fatality rate last year was almost five times that of the UK, at 25.5 per 100,000 population locally compared to 5.4 in the UK. Senator Fahy said: "Road fatalities are at epidemic proportions. The fifth death in one hundred days does not bode well for the rest of the year."

Angel Nottingham of support group ROLO (Remembering Our Loved Ones) said: "On behalf of the members of ROLO we would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of the road victim. "I am actually speechless at this time with a heavy heart knowing another family has to endure the pain of losing a loved one on Bermuda's roads."

• Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about the collision to contact Acting Inspector Kevin Christopher on 295-0011, or the Somerset Police Station on 234-1010.