A TEENAGER was killed and an elderly man was left fighting for his life after two horror crashes on Dorset’s roads.

The 19-year-old man died after crashing his car and then stepping out into the middle of the road where he was hit by a passing vehicle.

The elderly man, named locally as Carl Hanzi, aged 92, suffered life threatening injuries after an accident involving his own car on an icy hill in West Dorset.

The serious crashes come just days before authorities launch a zero tolerance No Excuses road safety blitz on Friday in Dorchester.

Neighbours rushed to the aid of Mr Hanzi when the accident happened near his home on Church Hill in South Perrott, Beaminster.

Dorset Police said Mr Hanzi was found lying under the open driver’s door of his silver Toyota Yaris car, although it was not clear whether he or the vehicle had slipped on the icy road surface of the hill.

The accident happened at around 2pm on Saturday. Paramedics and police attended and Mr Hanzi was taken to Yeovil hospital by ambulance.

Last night a hospital spokesman described Mr Hanzi as being in a ‘critical’ condition.

Inspector Matt Butler said: “The 92-year-old man from South Perrott suffered life threatening injuries as a result of the collision.

“It was the gentleman’s own car, and there’s nothing to suggest anyone else was involved.

“It was quite slippy and icy and we think the road surface was a factor.

“He had been manoeuvring the vehicle but we think he was out of the car at the time of the collision.

“There’s a possibility he slipped or a possibility the car slipped. We’re still investigating that at the moment.”

Neighbours said they have been praying for Mr Hanzi’s recovery.

Anthony de la Poer, chairman of Parrett and Axe Parish Council, said: “We in Church Hill are all very concerned, Mr Hanzi is a very much liked man.

“I think the paramedics were absolutely overwhelmed by the number of people who gathered around in concern.

“Almost every resident of the road turned out – about 10 of us.

“One of the neighbours heard a bang and called an ambulance.

“We were most impressed by the paramedics.”

Mr de la Poer said American Mr Hanzi was very well known in the village. He said: “Up until now he’s been a man of more extraordinary energy for his age.

“He gardens and mows the lawn still, he’s extremely active.

“We just pray that he will recover. His wife Nancy and his children have all been told and are by his side in hospital.

“Of course side roads like ours aren’t gritted.

“This is just a tragic accident.”

Landlord Gary Lancaster, of the Coach and Horses pub in the village, said Mr Hanzi is ‘a bit of a character’ who always has stories to tell.

He said: “Virtually everybody in the village knows him and we all want him to get well soon.”

Councillor Rebecca Knox, county council representative for Beaminster, said: “There are currently plans being drawn up to reduce traffic speed in South Perrott, although that doesn’t apply to this particular accident which involved ice.

“I know the council have been going around gritting as much as possible. It’s been hard for people who live on side roads.

“Dorset is a county with a huge proportion of very rural roads, which is quite hard work for the county. The priority is A and B roads but many people use C roads to get about.

“Grit bins help to empower rural communities as they can decide where the grit goes. I know a lot of farmers have been really helpful in getting the grit spread.

“Parish councils can dictate where grit bins, provided by the county council, are located.

“In the past couple of weeks some parish councils have realised their grit bins need to be more strategically placed.

“This is a partnership that needs to be taken forward to allow villagers to help themselves to ensure grit goes in the right places.”

Any witnesses are asked to contact the investigating officer PC Andy Gold of Dorchester traffic unit on 01305 222222.