Black-out at wheel ended in tragedy

A PENSIONER died after her husband blacked-out at the wheel and smashed their car into the back of a lorry.

Doreen Jones (79), from Failsworth, died at the Manchester Royal Infirmary on March 7 — three months after the accident, in which her husband Ronald drove into the back of a lorry stopped in traffic, an inquest in Heywood heard yesterday. The couple had been married for 47 years.

The collision, on Oldham Road, Failsworth in December 2013 left Mrs Jones with broken legs and ribs which led to medical complications and eventually her death.

Mr Jones, who was diagnosed with dementia in late 2011, was considered fit to drive but has since voluntarily surrendered his licence.

On the day of the accident he blacked out at the wheel of his Daihatsu car and it hit the lorry at 45mph without braking. The car was crushed in the impact, trapping his wife but causing him less-serious injuries. After discharge from hospital he rushed to his wife’s bedside. No criminal charges have been brought concerning the accident.

Tracey Thornton, the niece of Mrs Jones, said: “Doreen had many friends and was very popular. We really just want to concentrate on looking after my uncle Ron now.”

Coroner Lisa Hashmi said: “Mr Jones has no doubt suffered not only in his injuries but also in his turmoil. Perhaps he will never recover from his emotional injuries.”