A much-loved mother-of-four has been killed and her young daughter seriously injured in a devastating head-on collision with a van that was on the wrong side of the road, a coroner's court has heard.
A Tragic Collision on the A4119
Donna Ball, 48, from Tonypandy in South Wales, was driving her car along the A4119 bypass near Williamstown on Monday, December 29, 2025, when the crash occurred. The inquest opening was told that a large Vauxhall Movano box van crossed the central white line and collided head-on with her vehicle.
Emergency services, including the air ambulance, rushed to the scene. Donna was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff but tragically succumbed to her severe injuries the following day. Four other people, including Donna's daughter, were also taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Police Investigation and Family Tribute
The 19-year-old driver of the van was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries until March 30.
South Wales Police are urgently appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage of the incident or the van's driving behaviour prior to the collision to come forward. They ask the public to quote reference number 2500409628 when contacting them via 101, their online portal, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
In a moving tribute, Donna's husband, Howard Ball, said the family was 'devastated by the sudden, tragic, and needless death'. He expressed profound thanks to the emergency services and hospital staff caring for their daughter.
'Donna’s passing has left a huge void that can never be filled,' he said. 'Our old lives have ended; our lives without her begin now.' A fundraising page set up to support the family, which describes Donna as an incredibly kind and generous person, has raised over £7,700.
Inquest Adjourned
Coroner's usher Joanne Martins outlined the circumstances of the fatal collision at the opening of the inquest in Pontypridd. The hearing was told Donna suffered severe brain injuries.
South Wales Area Coroner Patricia Morgan adjourned the proceedings pending the outcome of the criminal investigation. She extended her condolences to Donna's family and friends.
The community in Tonypandy and the wider Rhondda area are now mourning the loss of a beloved local woman as the police continue their investigation into the circumstances of this tragic road traffic accident.
