Coroner Rules Crossing Unsafe
An 11-year-old boy tragically lost his life after being struck by a bus and a car while attempting to cross a road in Derby, a coroner has concluded. Seth Fulton was cycling on the pavement along Nottingham Road in Chaddesden on April 17, 2026, when he saw his mother on the opposite side and decided to cross.
He was hit by a bus, which threw him into the path of a VW Polo. Seth succumbed to his injuries that same day at Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham.
Inquest Findings
Susan Evans, the coroner for Derby and Derbyshire, finalized an inquest in writing on July 15, determining that it was "not safe" for Seth to cross the road. She noted that neither the VW Polo driver nor the bus driver had "sufficient opportunity" to avoid the collision.
The coroner recorded a conclusion of road traffic accident, with the cause of death being a traumatic head injury.
Details of the Incident
In the inquest record, Ms. Evans wrote: "On the 17th of April 2026, Seth Fulton was cycling along the pavement of Nottingham Road in Chaddesden when he saw his mum on the opposite pavement. He attempted to cross the road when it was not safe to do so. He cycled in front of a VW Polo car on the nearside lane and as he got to the far side carriageway, he was hit by a bus coming from his left. This impact caused him to be thrown into the path of the VW Polo. He suffered significant injuries and was conveyed to Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham where he died later that day. Neither driver had sufficient opportunity to avoid a collision."
Family's Tribute
Following Seth's death, Derbyshire Police released a statement from his parents, who described him as someone who "had a lust for life, loved wildlife and was adventurous." They added: "Everyone who came into contact with Seth will never forget him. He loved his friends as much as they all loved him."
