A tragic incident unfolded on the M5 motorway as a young woman lost her life after her car broke down and was rear-ended. The incident, which occurred on the southbound lane near Junction 31, involved a black Vauxhall Corsa driven by Amy Austin, who was 28 years old at the time. Despite activating her hazard lights, they were reportedly dim, and her vehicle was situated in the third lane of the four-lane section. While some drivers managed to avoid the stationary car, a white BMW driver, with her sleeping son in the car, collided with Amy’s vehicle.
During the subsequent investigation, it was revealed that Amy was not under the influence of any substances, and the BMW driver expressed shock and remorse at the scene. Dashcam footage suggested that the BMW was travelling at around 70mph at the time of the collision, with no signs of braking prior to impact. Tragically, Amy was not wearing her seatbelt at the time of the accident, and despite immediate CPR efforts, she had to be rushed to the hospital where she succumbed to severe brain damage.
Further examinations revealed that Amy had attempted to call for breakdown assistance before the crash, but the conversation with the operator was described as disjointed. It was also discovered that her car had experienced a mechanical failure due to a fault with the timing chain crankshaft drive gear. The inquest raised concerns about the absence of road warning signs after the breakdown, with Highways England reportedly erecting warning signs in the wrong location.
Amy’s family paid tribute to her, describing her as an amazing individual who brought joy to everyone around her. They highlighted her love for the outdoors, baking skills, and generosity towards others. The inquest has been adjourned to gather more evidence from Highways England regarding the warnings in place at the time of the accident and the malfunctioning camera at the crash site.
The tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety measures and the need for prompt assistance during emergencies on the motorway. It also underscores the impact of such accidents on families and communities, leaving a void in the lives of those who knew and loved Amy Austin.