Verdict on crash driver, 87

An 87-year-old man died from massive internal injuries after his car was crushed between two lorries, an inquest heard.

Jack Godwin, a retired schoolteacher from Leintwardine, was seriously injured when he attempted to turn right onto the A49 out of the junction with A4113 to Knighton.

An oncoming tanker travelling north ploughed into Mr Godwin's Volkswagen Polo and pushed it into another lorry which was waiting to turn right on to the Knighton road.

The incident happened on October 21 last year.

Pathologist Dr Huyam Abdelsalam told the inquest at Ludlow Magistrates Court yesterday she believed Mr Godwin died from multiple injuries caused by the crash. These included several rib fractures and damage to his liver causing internal bleeding.

Mr Godwin was cut free from his car by firefighters before being airlifted to a hospital in Birmingham. He later died.

The stationary lorry was pushed backwards into the car behind it. Its woman driver was not hurt.

Giving evidence at the inquest, witnesses said the tanker driver Ian Kiely could have done nothing to avoid the collision.

Mr Kiely said Mr Godwin had not looked in his direction before pulling out. The inquest heard Mr Kiely slammed on the brakes as soon as he realised Mr Godwin was attempting to turn right.

Coroner Anthony Sibcy recorded a verdict stating Mr Godwin died as the result of an accident.