A tragic incident on the M5 motorway resulted in the death of a young woman after her car broke down and was hit from behind. Amy Austin, a 28-year-old hotel housekeeper, had her life cut short when a car collided with her stationary vehicle on the southbound carriageway of the M5 near Junction 31. Despite efforts to save her, Amy passed away two days later at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on December 14, 2021.
The circumstances leading to the fatal crash were detailed during an inquest at the Exeter Coroner’s Court on November 13. Witnesses recalled encountering Amy’s black Vauxhall Corsa stopped in lane three of the motorway with hazard lights on, but unfortunately, the dim lights did not provide enough warning for other drivers. A white BMW driver, unaware of the stationary vehicle ahead, collided with Amy’s car at a speed of around 70mph, as confirmed by dashcam footage showing no signs of braking before the impact.
It was revealed that Amy, who was from Torquay, was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, likely removing it to exit the vehicle or reach for her phone. Tragically, she suffered a catastrophic brain injury and was unable to recover, succumbing to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy as the cause of death. Despite the loss, Amy’s decision to be an organ donor allowed her to help save the lives of others.
Concerns were raised during the inquest regarding the response to Amy’s breakdown by authorities. Questions were raised about the lack of road warning signs, faulty cameras, and delays in communication with Highways England. The examination of Amy’s well-maintained car revealed a sudden mechanical failure causing it to stop abruptly, leaving Amy stranded in a live lane on the motorway.
Following Amy’s passing, her family paid a heartfelt tribute to her as a vibrant and kind-hearted individual who brought joy to everyone she met. Known for her baking skills and love for nature photography, Amy’s family described her as the glue that held their family together after their mother’s passing in 2014. The inquest was adjourned to gather further evidence from Highways England to determine any potential preventive measures that could be implemented to avoid similar incidents in the future.
The circumstances surrounding Amy Austin’s tragic death serve as a reminder of the importance of road safety and timely emergency responses. As investigations continue to shed light on the events leading to the fatal crash, Amy’s memory lives on through the lives she touched, both in her community and through her selfless act of organ donation. The inquest’s findings will hopefully lead to improvements in protocols and infrastructure to prevent similar tragedies on the roads.