AN Investigation is under way today into a fatal crash involving a Hampshire fire engine returning from an emergency call.

The crew were on their way back from dealing with a gas leak at a petrol station when their vehicle collided with a Ford Puma in the New Forest.

The car driver – a man in his twenties - died at the scene and one of the firefighters was taken to hospital.

Hampshire Police and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the tragedy.

It happened on the Lyndhurst to Brockenhurst section of the A337 – scene of another fatal accident involving the emergency services in 2013.

An ambulance taking an elderly patient to Southampton General Hospital was travelling at about 70mph when it careered off the road and smashed into a tree.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the ambulance driver, Gillian Randall, 42, and the patient, 88-year-old Francis Ironside, were both killed.

Ambulance crewman Richard Riley, 32, and Mr Ironside’s son David, 64, were seriously injured.

Motorist Richard Husband, 26, of New Forest Drive, Brockenhurst, was later cleared of two counts of causing death by careless driving.

The latest incident occurred on Saturday night – a few hundred yards south of the spot where the ambulance crashed.

Firefighters had been called to a gas leak at a petrol station on the Ampress Business Park in Wellworthy Road, Lymington. The area was evacuated while the leak was sealed and no-one was hurt.

A Winchester appliance was sent because it was fitted with specialist equipment used in incidents involving hazardous materials.

The vehicle was on its way back to Winchester fire station when the crash happened just before 11pm.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “The driver of the car sadly died at the scene and our thoughts are with his family and friends during this traumatic time.

“One of the firefighters was taken to hospital with minor injuries and has subsequently been discharged.

“We are committed to the welfare of our firefighters and are supporting those who were involved in this tragic incident.

“They were returning to their home station after dealing with the Lymington incident and did not have their blue lights on.

“Additional vehicles and stand-by moves were arranged to ensure that the provision of emergency cover was maintained for Hampshire.”

A police spokesman added: “Hampshire Constabulary and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service are working together to establish the circumstances.”

The accident happened between the entrances to Hollands Wood Campsite and New Park – home of the New Forest Show. The road remained closed until 10.30am yesterday.

The Daily Echo understands that the firefighter injured in the crash was not the driver of the appliance.

Peter Wales, chairman of Brockenhurst Parish Council, declined to comment.

Anyone with information about the crash should ring police on 101, quoting Operation Mulberry, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.