Driver died after car caught fire in Walsall
A driver died after his car caught fire when it veered from a road and careered down an embankment.
Alan Webster was at the wheel of his Mini Cooper that left Mill Lane, in Ryecroft, Walsall, on May 22.
An inquest into his death was told that the crash happened on a bend at 10.30pm between Butts Road and Coalpool Lane.
The 47-year-old had suffered 'significant burn injuries' and died at the scene.
The hearing was told that it is not known what caused the car to leave the road that runs through Mill Lane Nature Reserve, a former railway yard.
In a statement read out at the hearing West Midlands Police collision investigator Pc Simon Frost said Mr Webster was alone in the Mini. He stated that it was a dark night and that it was raining.
"He negotiated the right hand bend in the road, but failed to negotiate the left hand bend," Pc Frost stated.
He also stated that instead of going round the corner the silver coloured car mounted the nearside kerb and struck a wooden fence. It travelled down the eight-foot railway embankment coming to rest at the bottom.
The cause of death was given as fatal burn injuries and a collision.
A report by West Midlands Fire Service investigator Leigh Richards stated: "In my opinion the fire was originated from petrol vapour following the rupture of the fuel tank – following the collision with the wooden fence. The concrete fence post scraped the side of the vehicle which caused it to spark which ignited the vehicle."
Senior Black Country Coroner Mr Zafar Siddique told the hearing held at Smethwick Council House: "It's clear that Mr Webster lost control of his vehicle. It is not clear whether he lost control due to a natural cause such as a heart condition.
"On balance of probability I conclude that Mr Webster died by way of a road traffic collision. I offer my condolences to his family. This is obviously a tragedy."
