Woman, 37, hit and killed by a lorry as she walked home after missing bus

A WOMAN was killed after being hit by a lorry on an unlit bypass as she walked home from a night out, an inquest has heard. 

Ann-Marie Chesters – known as Annie – had missed the last bus after midnight so decided to walk the six mile journey home.

But tragically the 37-year-old was struck by a large goods van (LGV) driven by trucker Robert Wild at 1.40am on January 14 last year.

Miss Chesters died from her injuries at the Royal Stoke University Hospital the following day.

An inquest has now heard Miss Chesters had spent her evening having drinks with friends in Crewe, including her partner Christopher Cooper.

But Mr Cooper headed home early after feeling unwell – getting a call from Miss Chesters about 12.30am that she was going to walk home after missing her bus and struggling to get a taxi.

And the night ended in tragedy when Miss Chesters decided to walk home – hit and killed by a lorry.

Truck driver Mr Wild told the inquest: "I just glanced in the mirror, just as I was glancing back, there was nothing in front of me, I glanced in the mirror to check traffic, and just as I was coming back I heard this almighty bang."

He said he had completed a safety vehicle check about 1.30am with no issues.

Police Constable Kevin Sweeney, who carried out an investigation following the tragedy, confirmed the road to be "unlit", and said the LGV was travelling between 49 and 50mph, within the 50mph speed limit.

When giving evidence, Mr Wild said he did not use the vehicle's mainbeam headlights on that road as he was due to approach traffic in the distance.

A written statement was read out on behalf of Miss Chester's mum, Reenie Chesters, in which she described her as a "fantastic daughter, sister and auntie" and "such a loveable person".

Following the evidence, Assistant Coroner, Mr Peter Sigee concluded Miss Chesters's death was caused by a severe head injury sustained in a road traffic collision.

 

    Source: Read Full Article

    Previous post San Jose shooting victim helped others to safety, family says — plus what we know about 8 others killed
    Next post Volcano mystery: Researchers were baffled by ‘supervolcano’ discovery in Alaska