Two Teenagers Die After Speeding Car Plunges Into River Following Pothole Collision

Two teenagers died after the car they were traveling in lost control and plunged into a river, an inquest has revealed. The incident occurred on March 17 when a blue Volkswagen Polo, driven by 18-year-old Declan Berry, crashed into the River Nene at North Brink near Wisbech St Mary in Cambridgeshire.

Five teenagers were in the vehicle at the time of the crash. The body of 16-year-old Eden Bunn was recovered from the car a day after the incident. Declan Berry's body was found two weeks later, on March 31, following extensive searches by emergency services. Three other teenagers, two 16-year-old girls and an 18-year-old man, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and escaped the submerged vehicle.

Evidence presented at the inquest indicated that the road, which had a 60 mph speed limit, was in poor condition, with numerous potholes and uneven surfaces. Over 100 complaints had previously been registered regarding the state of North Brink. Repair work for the road was scheduled but only commenced after the fatal crash.

Witnesses reported that Declan Berry was driving at approximately 90 mph, with one passenger suggesting he intended to 'show off'. The front seat passenger heard Berry exclaim "Oh s***" just before the collision, which was possibly triggered by a pothole that caused the vehicle to lose control. Detective Constable Les Ellmer confirmed that the car rolled and became fully submerged in the river. All occupants were wearing seatbelts, with the exception of one rear passenger.

A witness statement from a rear passenger described an unusual, 'eerie' atmosphere in the car, noting the absence of music. This passenger stated they were accustomed to Berry driving fast and did not express concern about the speed at the time. Another rear passenger recalled the vehicle flipping and rolling before entering the water, and expressed fear for their ability to escape.

A local resident, Thomas, heard a loud impact and saw the vehicle rolling through the air before contacting emergency services and assisting in the rescue of three occupants.

Post-mortem examinations determined Declan Berry's cause of death was drowning. Coroner Gray concluded that the deaths resulted from a road traffic collision, identifying the vehicle's excessive speed as the most significant contributing factor. The presence of potholes was also cited as a contributing factor. The inquest heard that driving at a reduced speed would likely have prevented the severe loss of control and rollover.

Declan Berry was preparing to join the army later that summer, a lifelong dream according to his older brother, Connor. Connor remembered Declan as a vibrant, joking individual with a strong sense of humor who shared his passion for cars. The family had celebrated Declan's 18th birthday, five days prior to the crash, posting a photo of him with a blue Volkswagen Polo.

Eden Bunn's family described her as the "kindest, most loving girl" and stated that her horses were her world. They expressed the profound tragedy of her loss.