Teenager 'distracted' by phone before fatal crash near West Midland Safari Park
A schoolboy was 'distracted' by his mobile phone as he was struck by a car outside West Midland Safari Park, an inquest heard.
The coroner was told the driver had 'no time' to avoid hitting Lewis Chambers on the 'notoriously badly lit' stretch of road in Bewdley.
The 16-year-old, who worked at the park, was struck by a blue Citroen Xsara on the A456 at around 6pm on December 20.
Lewis, who lived on Queensway, Wribbenhall, Bewdley, died in hospital a day after the accident.
He had left work with a colleague just moments before but is thought to have looked at his mobile phone when he stepped out. Lewis was thrown onto the car's bonnet, Worcestershire Coroner's Court heard. He had been crossing the road from the safari park to make his way to a footpath to walk home.
Assistant Coroner, David Reid, said that 'no blame' could be proportioned to the driver of the vehicle.
He said: "As his colleague headed off Lewis continued across the road. His colleague said he was scrolling on his phone with his finger.
"The driver had no time to stop at all. It has been calculated that he was driving at around 44mph and from first seeing Lewis he could not have taken any action. Lewis was sadly distracted while crossing this notoriously badly lit stretch of road.
"His driving cannot be criticised.When a reconstruction of the accident was carried out by police officers it is thought that given the lighting conditions it is virtually impossible for anyone to spot someone crossing once clear of the safari park.
"He sadly passed away the following day at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital and has a result I believe the cause of death to have been from multiple injuries.
"This is an incredibly sad incident and my heartfelt condolences go out to the family at this time."
Lewis' devastated family paid tribute to their 'beautiful son' just before Christmas.
The coroner recorded at Friday's inquest that Lewis died as a result of a road traffic collision.
