A TOP paramedic today called for drivers on the A34 through Oxfordshire to slow down after yet another motorist died in a horrific crash.

Although it is not yet clear what caused yesterday's tragic accident, ambulance area commander Dave Banham said there were "appalling" standards of driving on the A34.

Peter Jamieson, 23, of Burwell Drive, Witney, died instantly when the BMW he was driving flipped over the central reservation, struck another car and a van and then caught fire.

The van driver suffered serious back and neck injuries and is in the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford. The other car driver was unhurt.

Four people have died in accidents on the A34 - Oxfordshire's busiest road - in the last six weeks, compared with three in the three years up to November 1997.

Now Mr Banham is calling for motorists to drive more responsibly.

He said: "With the traffic volume and the appalling standard of driving, the A34 is becoming a real hot-spot for us. People drive too close and too fast."

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Oxford Mail, the 8.30am crash caused road chaos in and around Oxford.

The A34 was closed between Pear Tree, near the scene of the accident, and the Hinksey Hill interchange. Traffic was diverted through the city and the bypass was closed for more than two hours.

A police spokesman said: "If motorists are going to drive at 70mph they must take account of the road conditions and other drivers."

Meanwhile, tributes poured in today for talented, "bubbly" footballer Peter Jamieson who died in yesterday's horrific A34 smash. It is believed Mr Jamieson was delivering the BMW and was being followed by a workmate in another vehicle. He lived at home with his parents and worked for Genisys, a computer hardware equipment firm at Rectory Farm, Worton, near Cassington.

Mr Jamieson, 23, played as a midfielder for North Leigh FC and had been chosen for the Hellenic League in a representative match.

League spokesman Trevor Cuss said: "He was a bubbly, effervescent type of lad who joined in everything and will be sadly missed.

"He was team mate of mine at Clanfield a few years ago. This is the most dreadful news. He was highly thought of as a player."

A minute's silence in his memory will be observed before kick-off in tomorrow's North Leigh premier league game at Harrow Hill in the Forest of Dean.

Barry Norton, club spokesman, said: "He was a highly motivated young chap.

"Last night at training there was a very subdued atmosphere.

"We are very shocked and stunned that someone so young could be killed."

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