Beloved dad died after van hit HGV on A690 near Brancepeth
Michael Casey was driving his van home to Crook, County Durham when he veered into the path of a lorry on the A690 near Brancepeth on July 1. The road was closed for hours after the crash[1] at 11.15am. His Nissan Cabstar suffered "catastrophic" damage and came to rest on its side after being hit by the HGV, which burst into flames, an inquest at Crook Coroners Court[2] heard earlier this week. The coroner was told Michael, 58, had taken his 66-plate Nissan for an MOT in Fencehouses, near Houghton-le-Spring, that morning, where a worker said he "looked grey", had to go to the toilet to be sick, and fell asleep while waiting for the test to be completed.
The next second the white van has gone head on into the blue lorry. "The white van has gone up into the air where the lorry has spun right into the bushes and trees. "At this point the blue lorry has been set alight".
The crash was captured on dashcam footage. Assistant Coroner Dr Leslie Hamilton said: "I have seen that, I'm not going to show it in court because it is quite distressing, but it confirms the witness accounts that we have heard." 
The van passed its MOT that morning, and no issues or defects were found with either it or the HGV. Neither driver was using their phone, or had any drink or drugs in their system. Crash investigator Melissa Maughan said: "Due to the time and distance available for [the lorry driver], he couldn't avoid the oncoming Nissan."
She added there was no evidence of Michael braking or taking any evasive action. Dr Hamilton added: "The likelihood is he was unconscious or fainted or whatever, and that would be in keeping with his medical history. "I think the evidence here does suggest that he suffered some kind of medical episode, which meant that he was not able to control his vehicle, and he took no evasive action."
The coroner concluded his death was due to a road traffic collision. A post-mortem recorded a medical cause of death of head and chest injuries. 
Turning to the family, he said: "It always seems so hollow for me as a coroner to say I am sorry for your loss, but I do say that and thank you for coming." After his death Michael's daughter Ashley said in a statement[3]: "He will be profoundly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. "His quirky humour brought smiles to countless faces.
He opened his heart and home to many, always happy to help people, whether it was giving lifts, fixing cars, or making a Sunday roast dinner for friends over the years. "His mam Jenny will miss Michael dearly. Every Sunday, he took her for lunch after the passing of her husband and he was always there.
"His sisters Sharon and Dawn said he unintentionally created a place where men in his community could meet, chat, have a coffee and fix their cars, with the garage he had built at the side of the house. 
"He will be remembered not only for his kindness and passion for cars but his love for his family and friends and his quirky humour, his love of food and the countless positive impacts he had on so many lives. "We all thank you for being a part of our lives. We will miss you and love you forever."
The HGV driver, from France, was taken to hospital and later discharged.
References
- ^ The road was closed for hours after the crash (www.thenorthernecho.co.uk)
- ^ Crook Coroners Court (www.thenorthernecho.co.uk)
- ^ After his death Michael's daughter Ashley said in a statement (www.thenorthernecho.co.uk)