THE cause of a head-on crash that claimed a driver's life may never be known, an inquest has heard.

Stephen Tomlinson, 30, of Bridge View, Fishburn, died of multiple injuries when his Rover collided with a Volvo truck as he drove to work at a Spennymoor factory early one Saturday in September.

The accident happened on the A688, between Metal Bridge and Thinford, in the dark. The road was dry and there was little traffic.

Lorry driver Clive Mason, of Spennymoor, who was unhurt, said he became aware of the Rover seconds before it veered over into the path of his vehicle.

He told the inquest it had no head or side lights on and that he saw no signs of the car going out of control.

Police accident investigator PC Keith Butler said the car suffered massive damage and that major components could not be examined for defects because they were destroyed.

The lorry's tachograph showed it was doing just below 40mph and PC Butler estimated the car's speed at no more than 60mph, giving a combined collision speed of 100mph.

He said an examination revealed that a rear light had been switched on.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, North Durham Coroner Andrew Tweddle said he was satisfied Mr Tomlinson had not intended to harm himself