Derbyshire mum, dad and son, 14, killed in crash as car seen doing more than 100mph, inquest told
An eyewitness estimated that the car could have been travelling at 140mph
A teenage boy and his parents died when their car crashed on a motorway at speeds of over 100mph, an inquest has heard.
Andrew Moore, aged 46, Swala Harling, 47, and Sebastian Moore, 14, of Clay Cross, lost their lives when their BMW left the northbound carriageway of the M5 in South Gloucestershire on the evening of May 30 last year.
Eyewitnesses described seeing the estate car undertaking, crossing lanes of the motorway and driving up the hard shoulder at high speed.
Avon Coroner’s Court heard the BMW was seen to swerve across the motorway, collide with a crash barrier and travel down an embankment and crash into trees.
Driver Mr Moore, his partner who was a front-seat passenger, and their son, who was a nearside passenger, were all declared dead at the scene.
The inquest heard evidence from several motorists who had witnessed the manner of Mr Moore’s driving that evening.
Andrew Robiliard said the BMW had passed him at speed in the outside lane of the motorway, and then crossed lanes to drive onto the hard shoulder to undertake lorries.
“I would estimate the speed at over 100mph,” he said.
Lorry driver Adam Norris said he was “shocked” to see the car undertake him on the hard shoulder.
“I would estimate it between 100mph and 120mph. It could even be as much as 130mph,” he said.
Joshua Jack estimated the car was driving at a speed of around 140mph.
“It was travelling very fast and had thrown up debris from the hard shoulder, which covered my car,” he said.
The court heard that collision investigators were unable to say whether there were any faults or defects with the BMW due to the damage sustained.
Toxicology tests for Mr Moore were negative for drugs and alcohol.
Coroner Dr Peter Harrowing said: “It is not for me to answer a question of why.
“There is insufficient evidence before me to indicate that this was a deliberate act on the part of Mr Moore in driving the vehicle in the manner in which he had driven.
“It has not been possible to identify whether there were any mechanical defects.
“He may have suffered a medical episode at the time, but there is insufficient evidence for me to make a finding in that respect.
“Therefore, as to why the vehicle was being driven in the manner it was driven, there is insufficient evidence for me to reach a conclusion on the balance of probabilities.”
The coroner recorded conclusions of deaths caused by a road traffic collision.
Mr Moore’s and Ms Harling’s eight-year-old daughter survived the crash.
Thousands of pounds were donated by wellwishers after tragedy struck.