Unlit M61 Blamed For Police Worker Crash

The accident that killed a young police worker on an unlit stretch of the M61 was "unavoidable", an inquest has heard.

Samantha Derbyshire, 23, who had just been accepted to her dream job as a police constable, died at 3:30am on the M61 near Bolton, after finishing a late shift.

The inquest heard that she was very tired as she drove home following a night shift as a call handler for Greater Manchester Police.

The Bolton hearing heard that Samantha was involved in a minor crash between Farnworth and Westhoughton on July 4. She was unable to move the car and was hit by a HGV as she inspected the damage to her vehicle.

Delivering a verdict that Samantha died as a result of a road accident, coroner Mr Walsh said:

"I am satisfied that the collision was unavoidable and from the evidence given by the police, [HGV driver] Mr Wells did a good job to avoid a much greater collision.

"I am concerned enough to report this to the relevant authorities. If something good can come of this tragedy it is that some action can be taken in relation to that road so that future fatalities and incidents can be reduced."

If you have been injured on the roads and believe somebody else was to blame, speak to our injury lawyers to see if you may be eligible for compensation. Call us today on 01204 526 465.

HSK Solicitors

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