A young estate agent was killed when his powerful X-Type Jaguar flipped onto its roof and hit a tree at high speed.
Passing motorists tried to pull Joseph Cable, 24, from his upturned car after it smashed into the 50ft tree in Five Elms Road, Bromley, on Tuesday evening.
He was travelling along a poorly-lit country lane near Colyers Wood when he is thought to have clipped a bank and flipped over.
The saloon skidded on its roof before the driver’s door side smashed into the tree at about 10.30pm.
Residents living in houses set back from the 40mph stretch of road rushed out after hearing “scraping metal followed by a huge thud.”
They joined passing motorists who had stopped to try and help Mr Cable, who worked at Sinclair Hammelton Estate Agents in Bromley.
At least six people tried in vain to pull the wrecked car upright to help release the former Ravens Wood School pupil before emergency services arrived.
He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Police are investigating the incident but do not believe another car was involved.
Six tearful friends each left a single flower for Mr Cable at the scene of the crash yesterday.
One friend said: “He was a lovely guy. It’s a huge shock for everyone. He’d had the car for a while. He loved it.”
A neighbour who joined the efforts to rescue Mr Cable said: “My wife heard it. Just scraping metal followed by a huge thud. I ran out and there were already five people there trying to get the car upright.
“There were people driving past who had stopped. My neighbour was shouting through the car window to try and get a response but there was nothing. I think he was already gone.
“The car was bent around the tree, a complete wreck. I don’t think he stood a chance. Such a young man and his life over just like that. It’s really sad.”
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Mr Cable grew up in Bromley with his father Paul, mother Jackie and older brother Billy. He began working in the film and TV industry before becoming an estate agent four years ago.
Police are urging any witnesses to call the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 020 8285 1574.
