An inquest has heard that a wagon driver who died at the scene of two-vehicle crash in South Cumbria possibly suffered a medical episode at the wheel.
Malcolm Houghton, 68, of Milton Street, Southport, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which was reported to police shortly after 6am on Thursday, October 12.
Police said the collision had occurred on a westbound stretch of the A590. At that time, northbound traffic was being diverted from the M6 due to an earlier vehicle fire north of motorway junction 36.
Two HGVs had been involved in the crash.
As an inquest was formally opened today into his death, Margaret Taylor, an assistant coroner for Cumbria, noted he had been driving an HGV which collided with the road of the second vehicle. The driver of vehicle two was uninjured.
“At the moment it is not known what the cause of the collision was but the police have offered a hypothesis that it was due to a medical episode,” said Ms Taylor. “There is no indication of excessive speed although it is believed Mr Houghton had not braked before colliding with the second vehicle.
The hearing was adjourned so that further enquiries could be made and statements taken.
A provisional date for resumption of the hearing was given as April 16, 2024, and is due to take place at Cockermouth Coroners’ Court.
