A MUM and her five-year-old daughter were mowed down and killed by an OAP driver on a pedestrian crossing, an inquest heard.
Destiny Harrison, 24, and Linnea Harrison were holding hands crossing the road when they were struck by Brenda Marriott, 76.
Destiny Harrison and Linnea Harrison were both killed in the crash Credit: PA
The mum was holding her daughter’s hand at the time Credit: Refer to Caption
Linnea was pronounced dead at the scene while her mum tragically died at Derriford Hospital, the inquest was told.
A pathologist found Destiny suffered multiple injuries, while her daughter died from a head wound.
In a written statement, Brenda, who did not attend the hearing, said she was travelling on the road in with a white car in front of her as she approached the crossing.
She said: “The white car went through it, it was still green and I was following. I was driving at 30mph.
“I saw two shadows of pedestrians. The car in front was higher than mine, so I did not have a clear view.
“When I drove closer, I saw the woman and a smaller person, with their heads down, step out into the road.
“They were holding hands. They stepped out in front of my car.”
The pensioner said she immediately braked and came to a stop.
The inquest heard the pair were struck by an OAP driver Credit: UKNIP
Linnea suffered a fatal head injury Credit: Unknown
“I do believe the lights were green when I drove through and think that the pedestrian misjudged the lights. I am so sorry, I am in shock,” she added.
Eyewitness Philip Askew was walking his dog when he saw a woman and child heading towards the pedestrian crossing but briefly turned away prior to the crash.
He said: “I heard an almighty bang and then scream. I turned round immediately to see what it was.”
Mr Askew said others went immediately to give first aid to the mum and her daughter.
He added: “I did not see a pedestrian step out into the road.
“I did not see the colour of the pedestrian control traffic lights at the time and collision itself. I did not see the collision itself take place.”
Pc Mel Inness, a forensic collision investigator, said there were no defects with the car and there was no evidence from the scene to assist with assessing speed or reaction time of the driver.
She said: “There was nothing within the physical evidence to indicate emergency braking immediately prior to or post-impact but this does not preclude it from having occurred.
“It is not known what colour the traffic lights were at the point the approached the collision scene or at what point the pedestrians stepped in the road.
“There is nothing from within the physical evidence from which I can calculate speed at impact, or on the approach to.”
The inquest continues.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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