Inquest opens over collision carnage deaths

Inquests into the death of four people killed in a horror crash in West Bromwich were opened today.

The crash, in Greets Green Road, at 12.50am on Sunday, killed driving instructor Kelly Partridge, aged 34, of Hall Green Road, West Bromwich along with her friend Tracy Chambers, 28, of Devereux Road, West Bromwich.

The two were among six friends who had been out to celebrate Tracy passing her driving test.

It also claimed the lives of two people in a Citroen Saxo, Ashley Simpson, 21, Grafton Road, and Joanne Martin, 40, of Wood Lane, both West Bromwich. She was also known as Joanne Ralley but had reverted back to her maiden name Martin.

Four other passengers needed hospital treatment.

Giving evidence, Sgt Tim Rogers, said: "A Saxo driven by Joanne Martin was travelling from Wood Lane towards the bridge and as it reached the crest of the bridge there was a head on collision with a Ford fiesta driven by Kelly Partridge."

Clive Loyns, Black Country assistant deputy coroner adjourned the inquests.