A MOTHER of two died in a tragic accident on a Hampshire road after her car smashed through a barrier on a bridge over the River Itchen and plunged 30 feet into a field below.

Deborah Wheeler, 38, of Fair View Close, Romsey, was driving to collect her young children from pre-school when the horrific accident took place.

The youngsters were cared for at the pre-school until police could give their father the news and arrange for them to be collected.

Mrs Wheeler's Ford Galaxy people carrier landed on its roof after leaving the A31 near Alresford in what a police spokesman described as "a particularly nasty accident".

It travelled about 40 feet after demolishing a section of the bridge parapet.

Mrs Wheeler, who was the only person in the Winchester bound vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene.

No other vehicles were involved in the accident according to police, and it is not known why the driver lost control.

The horror smash took place shortly after midday yesterday on the Alresford bypass between the Ladycroft and Ropley roundabouts. The maroon Ford was last night being removed by officers and taken away for examination by experts.

A police spoksman said: " At around 12.08pm Mrs Wheeler, the only occupant of the car, was travelling west on the A31 towards Alresford in a red Ford Galaxy when she lost control of the vehicle on a bridge and crashed through the barrier.

"The vehicle fell into a field below, landing on its roof and side. Anyone who saw the collision is asked to contact Sgt Colin Hall at Fareham traffic on 0845 045 4545."

Police said Mrs Wheeler died at the scene.