Couple killed after bee stings driver in crotch

David Johnson and his wife Sheila were on the way to their holiday home when they died in the head-on crash.

An inquest heard how their Volvo was struck by 26-year-old Andrew Workman after he lost control of his vehicle.

He became distracted when the bee flew through his open window and stung him on the crotch, causing him to fail to negotiate an approaching bend.

Mr Johnson, 66, had no chance of taking avoiding action as the Ford Transit swerved across the road into his path in Shepley, near Huddersfield.

The retired builder died instantly but his wife of 46 years, Sheila, 65, was able to speak to paramedics before losing consciousness.

The inquest heard the couple, of Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, died from multiple injuries.

Werner Welgemoed, who was travelling with Mr Workman, said in a statement: "We were travelling home from work when a bumble-bee flew into the bus on the driver's side and settled into his crotch.

"He and I looked down and as we looked up we crossed onto the other side of the road and cars were coming towards us. I passed out."

Mr Workman, from Honley, West Yorkshire, spoke in court only to confirm what happened but in a police statement he said he was stung and could not stop in time to avoid the crash last June.

Witness Thomas Hanks, who was travelling in front of the minibus, said: "I looked in my rear-view mirror-I saw the Transit on the last part of the bend. It didn't take it. I remember thinking something was going to happen and I just heard a big bang."

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Road accident investigator Keith Rayner estimated the combined speed of the two vehicles was no more than 90mph.

Recording an accident verdict, Coroner Roger Whittaker said: "There are lessons to be learned for all drivers in that everyone should try to avoid distractions."

He described Mr Workman, who was also injured in the crash, as "upset beyond measure". No prosecution was brought against him.