OAP driver, 81, kills walking couple and himself after accidentally pressing accelerator instead of brake

Scottish Sun

2 days ago

TRAGIC MISTAKE OAP driver, 81, kills walking couple and himself after accidentally pressing accelerator instead of brake
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An 81-year-old driver killed a walking couple and himself after accidentally pressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake.
Reverend Stephen Burch and his wife Katherine, both 65 and from Alcester, Warwickshire, died in a collision in Anglesey, on August 28 last year.
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Stephen Burch and his wife Katherine, both 65, were killed on August 28 last year
Credit: PA
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Driver Humphrey Pickering was also killed in the crash
Credit: Supplied
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Emergency services at the scene at Alma Street in Beaumaris on Anglesey
Credit: fpnw.co.uk©2024
The couple were mowed down on the street after motorist Humphrey Pickering lost control on a sharp bend.
He accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake in his Audi A8 automatic, an inquest heard.
Mr and Mrs Burch were both pronounced dead at the scene.
Ex-librarian Mr Pickering, from Colwyn Bay, also died at the roadside after his car smashed into the front of a house on Alma Street.
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He was not wearing his seat-belt and sustained fatal chest injuries.
Caernarfon Coroner's Court heard the 81-year-old driver had been trying to navigate exiting a tight parking space.
He was maneuvering the vehicle to allow for his wife Margaret to get into the passenger seat.
However, a witness told the inquest he "lurched forward" and "appeared to panic" before the car "shot off down the road".
CCTV footage revealed the Audi accelerate "abruptly" into four pedestrians, two of which were left minor injuries.
Meilir Hywel, a forensic collision investigator for North Wales Police, told the hearing Mr Pickering's car had continued to accelerate on Alma Street.
He nearly crashed into two cars before losing control on a 90 degrees right bend.
Data recovered from the Audi revealed the accelerator was being pressed, while the brake was never activated.
Mr Pickering was barrelling through the 20mph zone at 55mph before the fatal smash.
It was previously reported that one witness said she had been in a hotel overlooking the scene when she heard a "loud bang".
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The grey Audi A8 also smashed into a nearby house
Credit: fpnw.co.uk©2024
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The coroner was satisfied the 'most likely explanation' for the crash was the 'pedal missapplication'
Credit: PA
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Heartfelt tributes poured in for Mr and Mrs Burch after news of the tragedy broke
Credit: fpnw.co.uk©2024
She then watched "people trying very, very hard to do CPR".
She said: "Everybody really rallied around, diverting the traffic and trying their best to give the people dignity, but it was pretty horrific."
"The town is absolutely full of tourists and people walk down that street. It's just a beautiful, beautiful place."
Another resident said on social media: "It happened right in front of us on the road beside the pier.
"It's an utter tragedy for those directly affected by the crash. No warning, it happened completely out of the blue."
Mr Hywel concluded the sudden acceleration was because of "pedal misapplication in applying the accelerator instead of the brake pedal in error".
He said: "He was then unable to correct his error while driving a powerful vehicle."
Mr and Mrs Burch's daughter Sarah Packwood told the inquest her mum "always put others first" and was "passionate about serving her community".
She remembered her dad as someone who "actively shared his faith throughout his life" and was an "avid sports fan".
But Ms Packwood did raise concerns over whether Mr Pickering had been fit to drive at the time.
Mr Pickering's daughter, Helen Baxter, said he was an "active member of the community" who was "out in the garden every day in all weathers" and had "good" mental agility.
She said he "loved to travel" and had four upcoming holidays booked.
Senior coroner for north-west Wales, Kate Robertson, said she was satisfied the "most likely explanation" for the collision was the "pedal missapplication which has led to a sudden and unintended acceleration".
She told both families: "There are no words that I can say that will ease the pain and suffering you will no doubt be feeling, have felt and will continue to feel, but you have all acted with huge dignity.
"I am incredibly sorry for your loss in these tragic circumstances."
Heartfelt tributes poured in for Mr and Mrs Burch after news of the tragedy broke.
A spokesman for the Diocese of Coventry said: "It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Steve and Kathy Burch have been tragically killed while walking along Beaumaris Pier on the Isle of Anglesey.
"Steve was a popular member of our diocese and well known for his good humour and unwavering faith and many will also know Kathy well from her work with CPAS and worship ministry. As a couple they were still very active in retirement, running an alpha course leading to baptism and confirmations.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve and Kathy's family at this time especially their children, David, Jonathan and Sarah as they come to terms with this devastating, unexpected loss."
A tribute from the Great Alne Cricket Club read: "Steve has been a GACC member for well over 20 years, holding various positions including Sunday captain, secretary, and most recently, chairman. A cherished member of the club, Steve racked up 1190 runs since records began.
"Best known for his unperishable forward defensive, he also took 15 wickets during his bowling days. His efforts in the field were unquestionable, and commitment to ensuring that the club succeeded in whatever format shall remain legendary.
"Both Steve and Kathy were vital members off the field, too. Steve would regularly score for the Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday teams; a role which is invaluable but often forgotten. Kathy was well known in Great Alne for her tremendous cricket teas, enjoyed by all who were able to tuck in."