A young woman and her beloved dog died just weeks before Christmas in a horrific four-vehicle crash, after a 90-year-old driver travelled more than 450 metres in the wrong direction on a busy dual carriageway, an inquest has heard.
The Fatal Collision on the A48
The tragic incident occurred on the A48 in Carmarthenshire around midday on Tuesday, 5 November 2024. The collision happened on the eastbound stretch between the Pont Abraham Roundabout, where the M4 ends, and the Cross Hands Roundabout.
Forensic collision investigator David Stacey of Dyfed-Powys Police told the inquest that 90-year-old John Howell Price emerged from a junction serving a Welsh Water sewage treatment works near Cross Hands. Instead of turning left as directed, he made a right turn and proceeded to drive in lane two of the eastbound carriageway, but heading westbound – directly into oncoming traffic.
He travelled approximately 452 metres in the wrong direction before his Toyota collided head-on with a Ford driven by 30-year-old solicitor Emily Thornton-Sandy from Pontarddulais. The impact caused both vehicles to become airborne. A Renault and a BMW were also damaged in secondary collisions.
Emergency Response and Inquest Findings
A major emergency services response was dispatched to the scene. Mr Price was pronounced dead at the scene. Mrs Thornton-Sandy was rushed to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff but succumbed to her injuries six days later on 11 November 2024. Her dog, Scout, who was in the car with her, also died.
Back-to-back inquests into both deaths were held at Llanelli Town Hall on Wednesday, 3 December. Investigator Stacey confirmed the road was in good repair, the weather was dry and overcast, and sun glare was not a factor. Neither vehicle showed emergency braking marks. The Toyota's speedometer was frozen at 43mph and the Ford's at 62mph; the speed limit on that stretch is 70mph.
Dashcam and CCTV footage from a nearby business, Castell Howell, clearly showed Mr Price's wrong-way manoeuvre. Mr Stacey stated there was no evidence either driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, or using a mobile phone.
Medical History and Family Tributes
The inquest heard a poignant revelation: just two days before the crash, Mr Price had been assessed at home by a medical professional following an episode of syncope (fainting). However, there was no medical indication at that time to suggest he should stop driving.
It was also confirmed that concerns about Mr Price's vision had been reported to the DVLA in 2023 by police, leading to medical assessments and an eye test. These did not produce sufficient evidence to revoke his licence.
Senior coroner Paul Bennett recorded formal conclusions of road traffic collision for both deaths. He said it would be "pure speculation" to determine why Mr Price made the fatal turn.
The human cost of the collision was laid bare in family statements. Mr Price's family described him as a "kind, considerate, and caring person" who is sadly missed.
Mrs Thornton-Sandy's husband, Stuart, said: "Emily lost her life and I lost my future... I never envisaged that I would live my life without her." Her parents, devastated at the loss of their only child, urged anyone with concerns about an elderly relative's driving to speak up to prevent similar tragedies.
Coroner Bennett noted that three people had received life-saving organs following Mrs Thornton-Sandy's death, offering a small solace amid the grief.
