Teenager and parents died in 100mph motorway crash
BBCA teenager and his parents were killed when their BMW collided with a motorway crash barrier at speeds of 100mph, an inquest has heard.
Andrew Moore, 46, Swala Harling, 47, and Sebastian Moore, 14, died when their car left the northbound carriageway of the M5 near Michaelwood Services on 30 May 2025.
Witnesses told an inquest at Avon Coroner's Court on Tuesday that they had spotted the vehicle crossing lanes and driving up the hard shoulder at high speed.
Coroner Dr Peter Harrowing said there was "insufficient evidence" to support a conclusion that Andrew had suffered a medical episode or crashed the car on purpose. He recorded conclusions of deaths caused by a road traffic collision.
The family, from Chesterfield in Derbyshire, were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which happened near the Gloucestershire and Bristol border.
Several motorists witnessed erratic driving by Andrew before the incident, the inquest was told.
The BMW was seen swerving across the motorway, colliding with a crash barrier before flying down an embankment and crashing into trees.
Motorist Andrew Harding said: "Not only was the car driving fast, but I could see it had its hazard lights on.
"I formed the opinion it appeared like someone apart from the driver was trying to steer.
"By this I mean it appeared that whoever was in control of the car was over-compensating, causing the car to swerve from side to side."
From his rearview mirror, motorist Ali Shabaz saw the BMW crash and compared the scene to an "explosion".
Collision investigators were unable to say whether there were any faults or defects with the BMW due to the damage sustained, the inquest was told.
Post-mortem examinations found that Andrew, a mechanic, died from multiple injuries, while Swala, an IT worker, died from multiple injuries. Sebastian's cause of death was given as head injuries.
The inquest was told Andrew had epilepsy and had undergone an aortic valve replacement and had a pacemaker fitted.
Toxicology tests were negative for drugs and alcohol, and his heart and brain were examined by experts but "nothing of note was found that caused or contributed to the death", the coroner said.
Harrowing continued: "There is insufficient evidence before me to indicate that this was a deliberate act on the part of Mr Moore in driving the vehicle in the manner in which he had driven.
"It has not been possible to identify whether there were any mechanical defects.
"He may have suffered a medical episode at the time, but there is insufficient evidence for me to make a finding in that respect."
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