A woman was struck and killed by a 40-tonne lorry while clambering out of an overturned car following a crash caused by aquaplaning, an inquest has heard.
Clare Laskey, 47, was traveling with her 60-year-old partner at night when their car encountered standing water on the A30 dual carriageway at Whiddon Down in Devon in October 2024. The vehicle flipped onto its roof, and as Ms. Laskey attempted to exit the wreckage, she was hit by a large Scania truck and trailers. She sustained chest and lower limb wounds, becoming unresponsive and later dying from her injuries. Her partner also suffered injuries but was discharged from the hospital.
According to Ms. Laskey's partner, the couple was en route to Bristol Airport for a holiday when the car aquaplaned at approximately 60 mph, slid off the road, rolled over four times, and returned to the inner lane of the A30. The lorry driver stated that heavy rain and high winds were present on the unlit road that night. He reported seeing a man waving his arms beside the carriageway but indicated there was insufficient time to brake or avoid Ms. Laskey.
The incident was captured on the lorry driver's dashcam, which showed Ms. Laskey still attempting to exit the car while her partner had already safely cleared the vehicle. The lorry driver expressed devastation over the incident but stated he could not have avoided the collision.
Ms. Laskey's family, from Cornwall, issued a statement describing her as a "beautiful, loyal and funny daughter, partner, sister and aunt" and expressed their devastation at her loss in "such tragic circumstances."
Coroner Alison Longhorn recorded a conclusion of a road traffic collision, noting that Ms. Laskey was unable to exit the car before the collision occurred.