Inquest opens into A12 crash deaths
THREE teenagers died after a car crossed the central road markings on the A12 and careered into their vehicle, an inquest heard.Greater Suffolk coroner Peter Dean yesterday opened and adjourned an inquest into the deaths of sisters Claire and Jennifer Stoddart, aged 18 and 15, and their friend Carla Took, 18, all from Lowestoft, who died on their way back from a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert in Ipswich last weekend.
THREE teenagers died after a car crossed the central road markings on the A12 and careered into their vehicle, an inquest heard.
Greater Suffolk coroner Peter Dean yesterday opened and adjourned an inquest into the deaths of sisters Claire and Jennifer Stoddart, aged 18 and 15, and their friend Carla Took, 18, all from Lowestoft, who died on their way back from a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert in Ipswich last weekend.
The crash also killed Simon Bonner, 40, from Yoxford, who was a passenger in the Renault Laguna car that collided with the Vauxhall Astra, driven by Claire Stoddart.
The collision happened in the early hours of Saturday, July 1, at around 1am on the A12 at Blythburgh.
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The Astra carrying the Stoddart sisters and Miss Took was heading towards Lowestoft, the inquest heard. They had been to see the concert at Portman Road in Ipswich to celebrate finishing their A-level exams.
The Renault Laguna carrying passenger Mr Bonner, 40, was travelling southbound along the A12 towards Yoxford.
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The inquest, held at Ipswich Crown Court, heard the Laguna “crossed the double white lines system” into the oncoming carriageway and collided head-on with the Astra.
Sarah Mitchell, who was travelling in the Astra, remains in intensive care at the James Paget Hospital.
Adam Cox, who was also in the Astra, sustained serious hand injuries and was treated at Ipswich Hospital but has now been discharged.
The driver of the Laguna sustained injuries to his lower leg and foot and rear passenger, Kim Abbott, remains in hospital.
The inquest was adjourned to release the deceased to their families for funerals and for further investigations into the cause of the accident.
A 21-year-old man has been arrested and bailed in connection with the crash.
