Tragedy as woman dies after car breaks down on motorway as she called for help

**Tragedy Strikes as Woman Dies Following Motorway Breakdown**

A heartbreaking incident occurred when a young woman tragically lost her life after her car experienced a breakdown on the M5 motorway, leading to a fatal rear-end collision. The incident took place on a dark evening near Junction 31 on the M5’s southbound lane. Amy Austin, a 28-year-old, had her vehicle stall in the third lane of the motorway on December 12, 2021, around 9:15 pm. Despite activating her hazard lights, which were reportedly dim, some drivers managed to avoid her vehicle, but unfortunately, a white BMW driver was unable to avert the collision.

The BMW driver, with her sleeping son in the car, expressed shock and remorse over the tragic accident. Investigating officer DC John Greathead shared details from the BMW driver’s perspective, recounting how she realized something was wrong only when she saw her vehicle lights reflecting off Amy’s stationary car, followed by a collision at a speed around 70mph. Dashcam footage revealed that there were no signs of braking before impact.

Paramedics arrived to find Amy unresponsive, and despite immediate CPR and transfer to the hospital, she suffered severe brain damage and succumbed to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Surprisingly, there was no evidence of drugs or alcohol in her system, and her decision for organ donation posthumously benefited many individuals.

Investigations revealed that Amy had placed a call for breakdown assistance shortly before the collision, but communication with the operator was reportedly challenging and disjointed. The forensic examination of her well-maintained vehicle indicated a mechanical failure with the timing chain crankshaft drive gear, leading to the sudden breakdown.

Concerns were raised about the absence of proper road warning signs after Amy’s car stopped, with Highways England initially unsure of the breakdown location. The malfunctioning camera on an overhead gantry exacerbated the situation, with vital information about the incident delayed due to technical issues.

The assistant coroner, Stephen Covell, adjourned the inquest pending evidence from Highways England regarding warning procedures and camera functionality. The family of the deceased paid a touching tribute to Amy, highlighting her vibrant personality, love for the outdoors, and selfless nature. They shared fond memories of her baking skills and dedication to making others happy.

The inquest remains ongoing as authorities seek to determine responsibility and ensure necessary safety measures to prevent future tragedies on the roads.

**Insights and Summary:**

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety and the potential consequences of vehicle breakdowns on busy motorways. The challenges faced by both the driver experiencing the breakdown and emergency responders underscore the need for improved communication and response protocols in such situations. Highways authorities play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of motorists through effective signage and operational equipment, highlighting the significance of infrastructure maintenance and monitoring. Ultimately, this heartbreaking loss should prompt a reevaluation of road safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in such circumstances.