A devoted mother-of-four has been killed and her young daughter left with serious injuries after a van driving on the wrong side of the road smashed head-on into their car, a coroner's court has heard.
Details of the Tragic Collision
Donna Ball, 48, from Tonypandy, South Wales, was driving along the A4119 close to her home on Monday, December 29, 2025, when the collision occurred. Coroner's usher Joanne Martins told the Pontypridd hearing that a large Vauxhall Movano box van crossed the central white line markings and entered the path of Donna's vehicle.
The head-on impact was catastrophic. Donna was air-lifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff but tragically succumbed to her severe brain injuries the following day. Her husband, Howard Ball, formally identified her.
Multiple Casualties and Police Investigation
In total, five people were taken to hospital following the crash on the A4119 bypass at Williamstown, near Tonypandy. Alongside Donna, her daughter and three others sustained serious injuries.
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 have launched a witness appeal. A spokesperson said: 'We are appealing for witnesses to the collision or anyone with dashcam footage of the incident to come forward. Additionally, any information regarding the driving behaviour of the driver of the van leading up to the collision would be greatly appreciated.'
A Family's Devastating Loss
In a heartfelt tribute, Donna's husband Howard expressed the family's profound grief. 'We as a family are devastated by the sudden, tragic, and needless death of our beloved Donna,' he said. He thanked the emergency services and hospital staff, particularly those caring for their daughter.
'Donna’s passing has left a huge void that can never be filled. Our old lives have ended; our lives without her begin now,' he added.
A fundraising page set up to support the family, which has raised over £7,700, describes Donna as 'an incredibly kind and generous person who would go out of her way to help anyone in need'.
South Wales Area Coroner Patricia Morgan adjourned the inquest pending the outcome of the criminal investigation, offering her condolences to the family. Anyone with information is urged to contact South Wales Police, quoting reference number 2500409628, via 101 or their online portal. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
