Three riders killed in A61 smash died instantly

Three motorcyclists involved in a head-on collision died instantaneously from ‘catastrophic injuries’, a coroner has heard.

Andrew Siddall from North Wingfield, Robert Newtonfrom Boythorpe and David Wilson from Sheffield were pronounced dead at the scene after being involved in a two-motorcycle smash on the A61 at Wingerworth on June 1 last year.

Chesterfield Coroner’s court heard how Mr Wilson, 46, was driving down the road towards Clay Cross when he overtook a car in front, just before the Hunloke Arms pub. When he tried to filter back into the lane, he collided head-on with Mr Siddall , 49 and his passenger Mr Newton, 45, who were turning right into the pub car park.

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Speaking at the hearing, Les Marsh – who was out riding with Mr Wilson at the time of the smash, said: “I just saw somebody fly up in the air. By the time I pulled up there were car drivers running around saying they were all dead.”

Witness, Alan Cupit, described hearing a loud bang and seeing ‘bits flying up in the air’.

He said: “I don’t think anybody expected to see what was there. There were two bikers lying there in the road, and one in the hedge.”

Pathologist Dr Deidre McKenna said both Mr Siddall and Mr Wilson suffered extensive bone injuries and fractures, haemorrhaging of the internal organs and traumatic brain injuries. Robert Newton suffered a tear in the heart muscle, haemorrhaging of the lungs and fractures.

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She described all three as sustaining “catastrophic injuries incompatible with life” and said death would have likely been instantaneous.

PC Nigel Varney, Forensic Collision Investigator for East Midlands Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said that based on CCTV footage of the incident, Mr Wilson’s speed has been calculated at around 65 mph – fifteen miles over the speed limit.

“If he was travelling slower he may have had time to complete the maneouvre or he may have had time to break or slow” he said.

“But Mr Siddall either did not look prior to turning or did not see the bike travelling towards him.”

Asst coroner James Newman, said: “This is a tragic case where three families have been devastated all for a few seconds.”

He recorded a verdict of death by accident for all three men.

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