A retired firefighter died in a crash while on a trip in France, an inquest opening has heard. Anthony Howells, 61, suffered traumatic injuries when he crashed his motorcycle into the back of other vehicles.
Details of the crash
A brief hearing at Pontypridd Coroners' Court on Friday was told that Mr Howells, who lived in Treharris, Merthyr Tydfil, was travelling alone on a motorbike trip in France at the time of his death. He was involved in an accident on August 3 in Nimes, southern France.
The inquest opening was told Mr Howells was riding his motorcycle when three vehicles in front of him applied their brakes. The 61-year-old collided with the back of the vehicles and was pronounced dead at the scene.
No criminal investigation in France
The inquest opening heard no other persons were injured in the crash and there are no plans for a criminal investigation to take place in France.
After Mr Howells was repatriated back to the UK, a post-mortem examination was carried out at Prince Charles Hospital. A pathologist gave the provisional cause of death as a motor vehicle collision leading to blunt force trauma. A further provisional cause of death was listed as traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage.
Full inquest to be scheduled
Area coroner Patricia Morgan said it was necessary to open a full inquest because she was satisfied there was reason to suspect Mr Howells' death may have been unnatural. She adjourned the hearing for further investigation to be carried out.
The full inquest, which may take place in writing, will be scheduled at a later date. Ms Morgan passed her condolences to Mr Howells' family and friends.
