A MAN who died in a road crash may have been trapped in his car for two hours before anyone discovered him.

Emergency services were called to Fenton Way on Southfields Industrial Estate, Laindon, at 9am on Friday after reports a blue Vauxhall Astra had hit a wall.

It is believed the driver, a man aged in his fifties, fell ill at the wheel before careering into the wall of business Stanton Hope, a specialist tools supplier.

Ambulance crews attended, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

It is believed the man worked at an industrial unit close to where the crash happened and was on his way to work.

Martin Pereira, of Stanton Hope, in neighbouring Seax Court, discovered the crash when he arrived at work at about 9am on Friday.

He said: “Initially, when I arrived at work, I did not see the crash.

“Then I noticed the damage to the bushes and the building and that’s when I saw the car wedged between the building and the hedge.

“I went to the car and just saw him slumped at the wheel. I quickly ran inside and phoned 999.

“I was on the telephone to ambulance control who were advising me what to do to try to help him.

“Then the paramedics arrived.

“I know he works at a neighbouring business and he usually turns up for work between 6.30am and 6.45am.

“So we think the crash happened some time before I got to him. It is sad to think, he could have been there a while.”

Basildon fire crews also attended the scene.

Fenton Way was closed between Hornsby Way and Seax Way for most of Friday, while police traffic officers investigated the incident.

Police are not appealing for any witnesses.

The name of the man, who is from Hornchurch, has not yet been released.