The chief fire officer for Hertfordshire has spoken about last night’s ‘tragic incident’ in Royston which saw a pedestrian killed after a collision with an on-duty fire engine, and said that the service’s thoughts are with the family and friends of the person who died.

Royston Crow: Flowers are being left at the scene of a crash in Royston after a pedestrian collided with an on-duty fire engine and sadly died.Flowers are being left at the scene of a crash in Royston after a pedestrian collided with an on-duty fire engine and sadly died. (Image: Archant)

Roy Wilsher, who heads up the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, has released a statement after an engine from Royston Fire Station crashed and overturned at about 8.45pm at the Old North Road roundabout as it was turning into Burns Road – in response to reports of a house fire elsewhere in the town.

The pedestrian, who has not yet been identified, sadly died at the scene and their next of kin have now been informed.

“This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the member of the public who sadly died at the scene,” said Mr Wilsher. “Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is working with the police to establish exactly what happened and why.”

Two firefighters were taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge for precautionary checks, and a fire service spokesman has confirmed that another engine attended the house blaze and quickly dealt with the incident.

Royston Crow: The Royston fire engine had been turning right into Burns Road as it headed to a fire in the town when the crash occurred.The Royston fire engine had been turning right into Burns Road as it headed to a fire in the town when the crash occurred. (Image: Archant)

Police – who put road closures in place overnight – have launched an investigation into the fatal collision and anyone with information is asked to call 101.

Royston Crow: Floral tributes have begun to be placed at the scene of the crash at the Old North Road roundabout in Royston.Floral tributes have begun to be placed at the scene of the crash at the Old North Road roundabout in Royston. (Image: Archant)