Inquest opens into death of M62 hen party minibus crash victim Bethany Jones

An inquest has been opened in to the death of M62 crash victim Bethany Jones.
Bethany Jones, who was killed when the minibus she was travelling in was involved in a crash on the M62.Bethany Jones, who was killed when the minibus she was travelling in was involved in a crash on the M62.
Bethany Jones, who was killed when the minibus she was travelling in was involved in a crash on the M62.

The 18-year-old was on her way to a hen party when the minibus she was travelling in collided with a lorry on the motorway, near Pontefract, last Friday.

Student nurse Bethany, of Bradley Carr Terrace, South Elmsall, died at the scene and seven others, including the bride-to-be, remain in hospital.

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The group was travelling from South Elmsall to Liverpool for a hen night to celebrate the forthcoming wedding of Stefanie Firth, 24, who is in Leeds General Infirmary.

An inquest this morning (Wednesday) heard that emergency services were called to the exit slip road at junction 32 of the M62 shortly after 11.30am on Friday

Coroner’s officer Anthony Lancaster said the Mercedes minibus, which was carrying 21 women, was involved in collision with a HGV.

He said: “It would appear the HGV has collided with the rear of the minibus on the west bound carriageway, causing it to veer across the carriageway, thus causing it to overturn.”

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The inquest opening was told Bethany was trapped underneath the minibus and a preliminary post mortem indicated the teenager died of multiple internal injuries.

The inquest was adjourned pending the outcome of further enquiries.

The lorry driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released on bail.