Inquest opens on M62 hen party crash victim

Trainee nurse Bethany died and seven others, including the bride-to-be, remain in hospital after the bus and a lorry collided near Pontefract on Friday.

The group was travelling from South Elmsall to Liverpool for a hen night to celebrate the forthcoming wedding of Stefanie Firth, 24, who is in Leeds General Infirmary.

The inquest opening at Wakefield this morning heard emergency services were called just after 11.30am on Friday to the exit slip road to junction 32 on the west bound M62.

Coroner’s officer Anthony Lancaster said the Mercedes minibus, which was carrying 21 women, was involved in collision with a HGV.

Mr Lancaster said: “It would appear the HGV has collided with the rear of the minibus on the west bound carriageway, causing it to veer across the carriageway, thus causing it to overturn.”

The inquest opening was told Bethany, of South Elmsall near Pontefract, was trapped underneath the minibus.

Coroner David Hinchliff said preliminary findings of a post mortem indicated Bethany died of multiple internal injuries.

The inquest was adjourned pending the outcome of further enquiries.

West Yorkshire Police said the lorry driver, arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, had been bailed.

Inquest opens into M62 hen party minibus tragedy victim

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