Two killed in accident caused by man driving in the wrong direction on dual carriageway.

Two individuals lost their lives in a four-vehicle crash after a 90-year-old man drove over 450 meters in the wrong direction on a dual carriageway. The incident occurred on the eastbound side of the A48 in Carmarthenshire, between Cross Hands and Pont Abraham.

At around midday on 5 November 2024, John Howell Prices Toyota collided with a Ford driven by 30-year-old solicitor Emily Thornton-Sandy. Mr. Price was pronounced dead at the scene, while Mrs. Thornton-Sandy succumbed to her injuries six days later on 11 November at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. Her pet dog, Scout, also died in the crash.

Inquests into both deaths were conducted at Llanelli Town Hall. Two other vehicles, a Renault and a BMW, were also damaged as a result of the collision.

Dyfed-Powys Police crash investigator David Stacey reported that Mr. Price entered the eastbound carriageway from a junction near Cross Hands, turned right, and proceeded westward in the eastbound lanes before colliding with Mrs. Thornton-Sandys Ford. Both vehicles were briefly airborne before other cars struck them. The Toyotas speedometer was frozen at 43 mph, while the Fords showed 62 mph. The speed limit on that stretch is 70 mph.

Dashcam and CCTV footage confirmed the Toyotas wrong-way trajectory. Mr. Stacey noted that two days prior to the crash, Mr. Price had been seen by a medical professional after a fainting episode, but no medical restriction prevented him from driving. There was no evidence of alcohol or drug use, mobile phone use, or seatbelt non-compliance. The road was in good condition, and weather conditions were dry and overcast.

The investigator added that signage at the junction clearly instructed drivers to turn left, and sun glare was not considered a factor. The reasons behind Mr. Prices wrong-way driving remain unknown, and Mrs. Thornton-Sandy had little chance to avoid the collision.

Post-mortem results determined that Mr. Price died from multiple injuries sustained in the crash. Coroner Paul Bennett ruled his death as a result of a road traffic collision. A family statement described Mr. Price as a kind, considerate, and caring person cherished by his loved ones.

Concerns regarding Mr. Prices eyesight had been raised with the DVLA in 2023, leading to an eye examination, which did not indicate he was unfit to drive. Mrs. Thornton-Sandys husband, Stuart, expressed his devastation, emphasizing the sudden and preventable nature of the tragedy, and her parents described losing their only child as devastating.

A post-mortem revealed Mrs. Thornton-Sandy died from tension pneumothorax and traumatic brain injury. Coroner Bennett concluded her death was also due to a road traffic collision.

Author: Natalie Monroe