Inquest heard HGV driver died after crash into M6 bridge

Costica Balan, 63, from Spalding, Lincolnshire, was pronounced dead at the scene following the collision near junction 45 of the motorway on October 2 last year.

'A devoted husband, father and grandfather'

In a pen portrait read to Cumbria Coroner's Court, Mr Balan's family said he had dedicated his life to caring for and supporting those closest to him. They said: "Costica Balan was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, who dedicated his entire life to caring for and supporting his family. "He lived surrounded by love and strong family bonds, always putting others before himself."

The inquest heard Mr Balan, originally from Romania, had worked as a professional driver across Europe for 46 years with the last 16 of those years in the UK His family said he had maintained 'an impeccable record throughout his long career, with no incidents or accidents' and was 'deeply respected by colleagues and those who knew him'. They added: "He was recognised for his reliability, his calm nature, and his outstanding work ethic.

"He was a man of great integrity, simple, honest and kind-hearted. "He took pride in his work and he was equally proud of his family that he built and cherished." Mr Balan, who worked for Freshlinc Limited, had started his shift at the company's site in Spalding at around 11pm on October 1.

The court heard he left the site at 12.37am the following morning having completed his vehicle checks, and later stopped at Leeming Bar Services for a break at around 3.30am. Just over an hour later he continued his journey towards Caledonian Produce near Edinburgh, a journey which the court heard was 'familiar' to Mr Balan. Detective Sergeant Deborah Story, of Cumbria Constabulary's serious collision investigation unit, said Mr Balan's HGV had been travelling northbound on the M6 before moving from lane one across the carriageway and colliding with the central reservation and a bridge pier at Junction 45 at around 6.40am.

Paramedics pronounced Mr Balan dead at 7.13am. The lorry was towing a trailer carrying a full load of dried pasta. Three other vehicles sustained damage after travelling through debris from the collision.

Witnesses described seeing the HGV move across the lanes but there was no clear evidence of braking or steering before the crash. The inquest heard there was no mechanical fault with the vehicle which caused or contributed to the collision, and toxicology tests showed nothing of significance.

The coroner's conclusion

Assistant Coroner Andrew Cousins said it would be speculation to say what had happened inside the cab before the crash with no clear evidence of distraction or a medical episode. A GP report said Mr Balan had no recorded current health issues and was not prescribed any regular medication.

Mr Cousins recorded a conclusion of accident. The medical cause of death was given as a head injury, with ischaemic heart disease listed as a contributing factor. Mr Balan's family said he had been looking forward to spending more time with his beloved wife, children and grandchildren.

They said: "His sudden passing has left his family heartbroken, but they take comfort in the belief that he will continue to watch over them with the same love, strength and quiet guidance that defined his life. "He will always be remembered as a hardworking, loyal and deeply loving man. A true pillar of his family."

The coroner offered his condolences to Mr Balan's family, saying the pen portrait showed he was 'clearly a much loved family man'.