Couple killed after driver suffered a coronary attack

A retired haulage firm boss lost control of his car after suffering a heart attack or palpitations at the wheel causing a crash in which he and his wife died, an inquest ruled.

Jack and Doreen Male suffered fatal injuries when their Toyota Yaris collided with a tree on the A449 dual carriageway at Hartlebury, near Kidderminster, on April 27.

Mr Male, aged 86, died two hours after the smash and his 75-year-old wife five days later.

At yesterday's inquest, Worcestershire coroner Mr Geraint Williams recorded a verdict that the couple of Low Habberley, Kidderminster, died as the result of an accident.

Mr Male was the owner and managing director of the Male and Sons (Pensnett) haulage firm.

Pathologist Christopher Allen said he believed an underlying heart condition may have flared up.