Mast tragedy man charged

A man has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after a teenage car passenger was struck on the head by a boat mast which smashed through the windscreen.

The tragedy happened as the boat was being towed along Dowles Road, near Bewdley.

Sarah Louise James, aged 19, from Redstone Drive, Highley, near Bridgnorth, was travelling as a front seat passenger in a purple-coloured Rover when she was struck by the mast.

The teenager died after suffering severe head and neck injuries when the mast came loose from the boat which was being towed in the opposite direction.

The boat was on a trailer and being towed by a black Range Rover when the freak crash happened at 10.40pm on Wednesday June 4 on the B4194.

Police closed the roadway for some time while they dealt with the collision and arranged for the debris to be cleared.

Miss James was taken to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham where she underwent emergency surgery.

But despite a battle by doctors to save her life, the teenager died from her injuries the following day.

Police said that neither of the drivers involved in the collision was injured.

A 47-year-old Bewdley man who was driving the Range Rover has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

The man, who has not been named, is due to appear before Kidderminster Magistrates Court on November 20.

After her death Sarah James' family issued a statement describing her as a much-loved daughter, sister, grandchild and niece.

Her family said she was someone who had "a thirst for adventure" and who "lived life to the full".