A FATAL road accident in which a lorry collided with a car last month has claimed its fourth victim - all from the same family.

Three people - Robert Reed, aged 75, Natalie Simpson, 18 and her 14-month-old daughter, Destiny - died in the crash on Seaton Lane, between Seaham and Houghton-le-Spring, on April 25.

They were in a Renault Megane Scenic heading east along Seaton Lane, which was hit by a lorry coming in the other direction.

Mr Reed’s wife, 74-year-old Margaret suffered serious injuries in the crash and had been in the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Mr and Mrs Reed were grandparents to Natalie’s partner and great-grandparents to Destiny.

A Durham Police spokesman said Mrs Reed of St Michael’s, in Houghton-le-Spring, died from her injuries earlier today without ever regaining consciousness.

The coroner has been informed of her death and an inquest is expected to open sometime next week.

The driver of the lorry, a 42-year-old man from Hetton-le-Hole, remains on police bail until mid-June after being arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.