A GRANDMOTHER was injured and later died after an accident involving a VW Golf which performed an emergency stop while travelling at 60mph in the fast lane of the A19, an inquest heard.

Alice Bryson, 83, was the passenger in a Citroen driven by her husband, which went into a Range Rover as it swerved to avoid the Golf, on September 19 last year.

She was rushed to the University Hospital of North Tees following the crash, and was initially diagnosed with rib fractures and other injuries, the inquest at Teesside Coroner’s Court was told.

But her condition deteriorated over the next two weeks, and she later developed a perforated colon as a result of her injuries, and peritonitis, which proved fatal.

The accident happened on the northbound carriageway of the A19, near Hartlepool.

A statement from PC Sarah Tribick, of Cleveland Police’s collision investigation unit, said: “All three vehicles involved were driving north on lane two at no more than 60 mph.

"The VW conducted an emergency stop while driving in lane two. He said his vehicle pulled to the right and he felt a vibration and thought he was going to collide with the central reservation.

“The Range Rover braked sharply and swerved to the left but was unable to avoid a collision. The Citroen driver braked but couldn’t avoid colliding with the Range Rover. The VW was examined and no defects could be found for the driver to have to perform an emergency stop in the fast lane.”

She said had the VW driver should have put hazard warning lights on to alert other drivers.

The Crown Prosecution Service felt there was not enough evidence for any prosecutions in the case.

Acting Teesside coroner Claire Bailey said: “With the first car coming to an abrupt stop there was insufficient time for the two drivers to avoid a collision and sadly as a result of that Alice had injuries that would prove to be fatal.”

She ruled Mrs Bryson died due to injuries sustained an a road accident.