A family of four, including parents Andy Moore, 46, and Swala Harling, 47, and their 14-year-old son Sebastian, were killed when their car, traveling at speeds exceeding 100 mph, swerved off the M5 motorway near Gloucester and crashed in May of last year, an inquest heard.
The family was on their way home from a holiday in Cornwall when their BMW collided with a crash barrier, causing it to fall down an embankment and into trees. The vehicle subsequently burst into flames, an event witnesses described as being "like an explosion."
Eyewitnesses told the inquest that the BMW had been swerving across lanes before the crash. One driver, Andrew Robiliard, estimated the speed at over 100 mph, noting the car undertook lorries on the hard shoulder. Lorry driver Adam Norris estimated the speed between 100 mph and 120 mph, while another motorist, Joshua Jack, put the speed at around 140 mph. One witness, Andrew Harding, observed the car's hazard lights on and described the steering as appearing to be over-compensated, causing the vehicle to swerve.
The eight-year-old daughter of the couple survived the crash and is now in the care of relatives. Emergency services attended the scene, but Mr. Moore, Ms. Harling, and Sebastian were pronounced dead shortly after.
Collision investigators were unable to determine if there were any faults with the BMW due to the extensive damage sustained. Post-mortem examinations revealed that Mr. Moore and Ms. Harling died from multiple injuries, while Sebastian died from head injuries.
An examination of Mr. Moore revealed no medical issues that could have contributed to the crash. Toxicology tests were negative for drugs and alcohol. Area coroner Dr. Peter Harrowing stated there was insufficient evidence to conclude Mr. Moore suffered a medical episode or that the crash was a deliberate act, leaving the cause of the car's manner of driving undetermined.
Friends and family paid tribute to the deceased, describing them as "kind, friendly and much-loved." Andy Moore was a mechanic, and Swala Harling worked in IT. Sebastian was a keen rugby player for Chesterfield Panthers rugby club's Under-15s squad.
The coroner recorded conclusions of deaths caused by a road traffic collision for all three.
