Sutton St James man died after crash in heavy rain

Heavy rain may have played a part in a crash in which a 50-year-old Sutton St James man died.

An inquest on Friday heard that Jonathan Hoey died when his Ford Mustang convertible veered across the road and plunged down banking, hitting trees and bursting into flames.

The accident happened on the A148 at Congham on September 23 last year, Norwich Coroners’ Court heard.

Caravan dealer Mr Hoey was dragged from the burning vehicle by other drivers but never regained consciousness and died from multiple injuries.

A front-seat passenger in the vehicle escaped with just minor injuries despite the fact that a tree had fallen across both front seats.

Evidence read by the coroner said that Mr Hoey’s green car had been seen driving towards King’s Lynn at high speed and overtaking other cars just before the crash. But immediately before it left the road it was in a line of traffic travelling at about 45mph.

Police crash investigators said they think Mr Hoey had intended to overtake again but the lost control of the vehicle, shooting across the road, down a steep bank and into woodland.

There was no drink or drugs in Mr Hoey’s system and no mechanical or tyre problems with the Mustang, the inquest heard.

The exact cause of the crash remains unclear, police said, but witness statements from other drivers said that when the accident happened shortly before 5.30pm there was heavy rain and conditions were difficult.

Mr Hoey sustained multiple injuries including skull fractures.

The coroner gave a narrative verdict, saying that Mr Hoey died as the result of a road traffic accident.