Inquest opens into York ambulance crash death

AN INQUEST has been opened and adjourned into the death of a man killed when he allegedly drove a stolen ambulance into a double decker bus near York.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Apr 2015, 17:12 BST
Michael SouthMichael South
Michael South

Deputy North Yorkshire Coroner John Broadbridge told the ten minute hearing at Scarborough Registry Office today that Michael Colin South was identified by his brother Stephen at Harrogate District Hospital.

Mr South, a 40-year-old landscape gardener and builder had been living in York, said Mr Broadbridge but added that inquiries were continuing as to where exactly he lived in the city.

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He said the collision had happened at the Flaxton road junction of the A64 between York and Scarborough on April 10 when an ambulance driven by Mr South collided with the double decker travelling in the opposite direction towards York.

Mr Broadbridge said: ”It is early days and I am not giving any formal directions on evidence.”

He said inquiries into the tragedy were continuing. The hearing was adjourned until July 30, but Mr Broadbridge said it was a provisional date and the hearing may be delayed if all the evidence had not been collated.

Mr South was allegedly being transported in the private ambulance and took over the wheel after stealing the vehicle when he got possession of the keys. It is believed the ambulance was stolen about 20 minutes before the crash.