Driver died after his car crashed into wall on A470
MYSTERY OVER WHY 71-YR-OLD ‘LOST CONTROL’ ON BEND
MYSTERY surrounds why a driver lost control of his car and crashed into a wall from which he later died of his injuries.
David Swindells, 71, was airlifted to Stoke hospital after his white Ford Fiesta crashed on the A470 at Roman Bridge, Dolwyddelan, on Sunday, January 12, this year.
Emergency Services rushed to the scene and the road was closed for more than three hours while they dealt with the incident during the afternoon.
His vehicle was the only one involved, an inquest in Ruthin heard on Thursday.
Mr Swindells died 10 days after the collision at the Royal Stoke University Hospital from his injuries having never regained consciousness.
On the day of the tragedy, he had left his home in Lymm in Warrington, to drive to his holiday home in Tanygrisiau, Blaenau Ffestiniog, a journey he had taken many times. The pensioner also had more than 30 years’ driving experience.
There were no known witnesses, but another motorist found his car crashed into a slate wall, with Mr Swindells unconscious inside.
A police collision investigation found he was negotiating a left hand bend, but appeared to lose control, crossing the other carriageway, before hitting the wall.
The road was damp but not hazardous, there was good visibility and the bend could be negotiated at 62mph. No defects were also found with the car.
The joint conclusion to the crash inquiry said it was “unable to explain why this collision occurred.”
Toxicology tests showed Mr Swindells was taking citalopram and diazepam medication, which could cause drowsiness, but the inquest heard regular users should be unaffected.
Recording a verdict of death by road traffic collision, coroner for North Wales east and central, John Gittins, said there were a number of factors that could have caused the crash.
“However these are matters of speculation and not supported by any forensic evidence,” he said.
Mr Gittins extended his condolences to the family.
Following his death, Mr Swindell’s devastated daughter Lisa, paid tribute to the man who she said was “most happiest” spending time in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd learning about the history of North Wales.
She said: “We have been left devastated after the crash, so sad.
“Dad was at his most happiest with his retirement time spent in Tanygrisiau, Blaenau Ffestiniog. He just loved the area, chatting to the locals and finding out the history regarding beautiful North Wales.
“I would like to give a big thank you to the people that reported the crash and stayed with my
Dad at the scene.
“And the heroes that are the North Wales Police Roads Policing Unit, the Wales Air Ambulance and
the Critical Care Unit at the Royal Stoke University Hospital – thank you, you will not be forgotten.”