Two men killed in A5 crash near Oswestry named at formal inquest opening

Retired school teacher John Frederick Exelby Moore, aged 81 and from Shrewsbury[1], and farmer John Llewelyn Breese, aged 33 and from Meifod, Powys[2] died on the A5 close to Mile End[3] roundabout. The inquest at the Coroner’s Court in Shrewsbury was told that at 5pm on November 17 Mr Moore had been driving a Peugeot vehicle westbound on the A5 between the Wolfshead roundabout and the Mile End Roundabout, when he was involved in a head-on collision with a Renault box van being driven by Mr Breese in the opposite direction. Shropshire assistant coroner Heath Westerman was told on Thursday that Mr Breese, a married man from Grange Road, Shrewsbury, and Mr Moore, a single man, were pronounced dead within minutes of each other.

Mr Westerman heard that despite the best efforts of the emergency services both men were confirmed deceased. He formally opened the inquests and adjourned the full hearing to be held on March 27, 2025. Following the crash the West Midlands Ambulance Service said it had sent three ambulances, two paramedic officers, a Midlands Air Ambulance crew and a medic from Wales Air Ambulance.

A spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival we found four patients from the lorry and the car. “Firstly, the driver of the first car and secondly, the driver of the lorry, both of whom were assessed and unfortunately, it was clear that nothing could be done to save them and they were confirmed deceased at the scene. “Thirdly and fourthly, a woman and a child who were passengers in the lorry.

Both were assessed and had sustained injuries not believed to be serious. “They were conveyed to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for further assessment. No further patients required treatment.”

West Mercia Police appealed for witnesses.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: “Officers are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage of the incident.”

Those with information are asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) on [email protected] or by calling 01743 261833.

References

1. ^ Shrewsbury (www.shropshirestar.com)
2. ^ Powys (www.shropshirestar.com)
3. ^ A5 close to Mile End (plus.shropshirestar.com)