A woman tragically lost her life after her car broke down on the M5 and was hit from behind. Amy Austin, 28, died two days after the crash at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on December 14, 2021.
An inquest held today at Exeter Coroner’s Court heard harrowing witness accounts of the moment Amy’s black Vauxhall Corsa came to a halt on the southbound lane of the M5 near Junction 31 on December 12, 2021, at 9:15pm. Amy’s car reportedly broke down in the third lane while heading towards the A30 for Okehampton.
Despite flickering hazard lights, they were faint and although many managed to avoid the stationary vehicle, one shocked BMW driver didn’t have that split second to react. The mother driving the BMW with her sleeping son onboard expressed her shock and regret at the scene.
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Questioned by police, she insisted on her usual careful driving and subsequent checks cleared her of any influence from alcohol or drugs. Investigator DC John Greathead told the inquest what went through the BMW driver’s mind as the disaster unfolded: “The first thing she said she was aware of was her own vehicle lights reflecting on the stationary car and then a bang. She put that down to a lack of concentration on her part.”
Amy’s decision not to buckle her seatbelt became pivotal, leading officials to theorize that she might have unfastened it either to escape or reach for her phone. By the time first responders arrived, Amy was not breathing and despite emergency CPR efforts, had to be rushed to the hospital, reports Devon Live.
She later succumbed to severe brain damage caused by hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, with autopsy reports confirming the absence of drugs or alcohol in her system. In a poignant end, Amy’s prior commitment to organ donation meant that she would bring hope to others even after her tragic departure.
Further investigation into Amy’s desperate situation revealed she was trapped for approximately five minutes pre-collision, attempting to obtain roadside assistance. She was on hold for two crucial minutes before connecting with an operator.
PC Lee Perry, a former forensic collision investigator, recounted the exchange with the operator as “very disjointed”—the distressed woman struggled to communicate her location, and the operator grappled with comprehending her requests. PC Perry recalled: “At some point during the conversation, there is a loud crashing noise which I believe is the collision occurring. The operative spends another 30 seconds trying to speak to Miss Austin, not knowing a collision has occurred and terminates the call.”
A mechanical fault in Amy’s well-maintained car ultimately emerged as the fatal element; the timing chain crankshaft drive gear defect led to the car losing power abruptly. Mr Perry observed: “The mechanical failure would have been instantaneous, but there would have been potential indications of some issues with the vehicle.”
The officer commented: “In fairness to Amy, I don’t believe she would have been aware that the noises her car was making would have resulted in the vehicle coming to a stop on the journey she took.”
PC Perry called the accident ‘unavoidable,’ with doubts cast over whether braking would have changed the tragic outcome. The deceased’s family questioned the inadequate roadside warning signals post-incident.
DC John Greathead revealed during the hearing that Highways England put up signs in the incorrect spot initially due to confusion about where the breakdown had occurred. Additionally, the inquest was informed that a motorway camera expected to record the fatal incident was rendered “obsolete” lacking essential replaceable parts.
When asked by the assistant coroner if a functional camera could have covered the crash location, DC Greathead confirmed: “Yes.”
Assistant Coroner Stephen Covell paused the inquest for Highways England to clarify their measures regarding road warnings at the time of the crash, how they report problems, and if they’ve replaced the faulty camera. While considering issuing a Prevention of Future Deaths report, he cited a lack of necessary details from Highways England: “If I’m made aware of risks to the public potentially still ongoing, I need to consider making a Prevention of Future Deaths report, but I don’t feel I can do that as I don’t have the evidence of HE.”
Amy, who owned a sweet shop and worked as a housekeeper at TLH Leisure Resorts, was remembered by her family for her vibrant presence: “Amy’s bubbly energy lit up every room, she was definitely the glue that held our family together after our mum passed away in 2014.”
They also shared, “She was also an incredible baker and would deliver cookies to everyone. She even walked from Torquay to Newton Abbot once, when her car was in the garage, to ensure her customer received their order. She’s going to be greatly missed by her family and hundreds of her friends and colleagues.”