INQUEST HEARS HOW A 'TRAGIC LAPSE IN CONCENTRATION' BY OLIWIA WOJCIECHOWSKA LED TO LORRY COLLISION

The fateful collision between Oliwia and a turning lorry happened at a 'tight' junction from Eccles Old Road onto Lancaster Road on September 1st last year, she was quickly rushed to the nearby Salford Royal Hospital whereupon she underwent surgery and received a blood transfusion, sadly her injuries were too extensive and she sadly passed away the following day.

The court heard how the traffic lights at the junction were set to green at the time and that the lights of the zebra crossing were on red as she rode into the path of the lorry.

Earphones were found close to where she was hit, but it was ruled that there was no evidence to suggest she was using them at the time of the fatal accident. The inquest also heard how she had traces of cannabis in her bloodstream but again there was no evidence to suggest this contributed to the collision in any way.

It was most likely that Oliwia had misread the manoeuvre the lorry had to make in order to make the tight turn onto Lancaster Road and had assumed it was going straight on along Eccles Old Road instead. That ill-fated miscalculation sadly led to her death.

Insp Paul Rowe, of GMP’s serious collision unit, informed the inquest:

Quote

“If she has seen the vehicle in the second lane, she may well have surmised that it was going straight on.”

The official cause of death has been recorded as death by road traffic collision, whereupon she died of ‘massive haemorrhage’ after suffering severe pelvic injuries.

Bolton Coroners’ Court heard how the driver of the lorry Krzysztof Charewicz -  was not to blame as it was impossible for him to see her as she made the turn. The court heard that he has not been behind the wheel since that tragic day.

Oilwia was on her way home from working at Smiths Restaurant in Eccles at the time of the accident and was a popular and sociable young lady who was well liked by those who knew her.

Shortly after her death tributes were quickly laid at the scene, a 'Ghost Bike' painted white still adorns the crash barrier along with floral tributes.

Elzbieta, the mother of Oliwia told the inquest:

Quote

“She was very sociable and had lots of friends, she spoke perfect English, was much-liked and well respected.”