Derbyshire mum, dad and son, 14, killed in M5 crash as car seen doing more than 100mph, inquest hears

A teenager and his parents were killed when their car travelling at more than 100mph crashed on a motorway, an inquest has heard.

Andrew Moore, 46, Swala Harling, 47, and Sebastian Moore, 14, of Clay Cross were killed 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.

Area coroner Dr Peter Harrowing said that although Mr Moore suffered with epilepsy, had undergone an aortic valve replacement and had a pacemaker fitted, there was not enough evidence to support a conclusion he had suffered a medical episode.

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.

Another motorist, Andrew Harding, said: “Not only was the car driving fast, but I could see it had its hazard lights on.

“I formed the opinion it appeared like someone apart from the driver was trying to steer.

“By this I mean it appeared that whoever was in control of the car was over-compensating, causing the car to swerve from side to side.”

From his rearview mirror, motorist Ali Shabaz saw the BMW crash.

“I can only describe this collision as like an explosion, with a big cloud of smoke followed by car parts being thrown everywhere,” he said.

Lorry driver Peter Bakowsky also witnessed the crash and told the court: “In a matter of seconds, I saw the vehicle brake lights come on and heard tyres screeching, before watching the vehicle crash into the barriers landing in a field.

“The next thing I remember is a cloud of dust and parts of the vehicle scattered across the motorway.”

Another lorry driver Jurgens Terblanche was on the southbound carriageway when he saw the crash.

“I then saw the white car speed direct into and collide with the barrier with a massive force, and the car pitched upwards and went airborne towards several trees just off the motorway,” he said.

“I would describe it travelling some distance airborne before it collides with the trees and dropped into what looked like a ravine off the motorway.”

The emergency services went to the scene, but the three occupants of the car, were declared dead soon after.

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.

Post-mortem examinations found that Mr Moore, a mechanic, died from multiple injuries, while Ms Harling, an IT worker, also died from multiple injuries, while Sebastian’s cause of death was given as head injuries.

Toxicology tests for Mr Moore were negative for drugs and alcohol, and his heart and brain were examined by experts but “again nothing of note was found that caused or contributed to the death”, the coroner said.

“It is not for me to answer a question of why,” Dr Harrowing said.

“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.

A fundraising page in their memory shared how their beloved eight-year-old daughter, who has not been named, “miraculously” survived the incident with serious but not life threatening injuries. The fundraiser to support the little girl in her recovery raised over £16,000.

Sebastian played rugby for Chesterfield Panthers RUFC’s U15s squad. In a heartfelt tribute to their official Facebook page on June 22, the club said the 14-year-old was “respected by teammates, coaches and parents alike.”

The post read: “Seb was a kind, calm and friendly young man, always willing to listen, always with a smile, and always giving his best for the team.”

The club also paid tribute to Andy and Swala, writing: “Andy’s presence on the sidelines and around the club was just as valued - warm, supportive and easy to talk to. He was a lovely man and a true gentleman who, like his son, became part of our club in the most natural and meaningful way.

“Swala’s passing is equally heartbreaking. Though not as closely involved at the club, it is clear how much love and warmth she brought to her family, and how deeply missed she will be by those who knew her.”