Inquest Review into Norwich Couple Killed in Spain
An inquest review has been launched into the tragic deaths of a Norwich couple who were killed in a road accident while holidaying in Spain. The victims, identified as 68-year-old David Thompson and his 65-year-old wife, Margaret Thompson, had been enjoying a well-earned retirement break in the Costa del Sol when the fatal crash occurred in March this year.
The couple were reportedly driving a hired vehicle on the A-7 motorway near Marbella when they were struck by a lorry travelling in the opposite direction. Initial investigations by Spanish authorities suggest that the lorry driver lost control after a suspected mechanical failure, causing the heavy vehicle to veer into oncoming traffic. Both David and Margaret died instantly from the impact.
Now, a coroner’s court in Norwich has opened a review to determine the full circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths, including the role of foreign authorities and any potential legal implications for the parties involved. The inquest, held at the Norfolk Coroner’s Office, began with the coroner, Samantha Goward, offering condolences to the bereaved family and pledging a thorough examination of the facts.
“David and Margaret were much-loved members of their local community,” said a family representative in a statement read during the hearing. “They were kind, generous people who had looked forward to their holiday in Spain as a time to relax and reconnect. Their sudden and tragic passing has left a void that cannot be filled.”
The inquest will focus on several key aspects: the safety record of the lorry company involved, the condition of the Spanish motorway infrastructure, and the medical and mechanical reports related to the crash. Reports from Spanish emergency services, the autopsy findings, and the toxicology results for the lorry driver are expected to be central to the review.
One area of contention already raised is the speed and clarity of information shared between Spanish and British authorities. The family’s solicitor, Andrew Mason, has stated that there was a “concerning delay” in receiving vital documents, including the crash report and post-mortem details.
“We respect the ongoing processes in Spain, but this inquest review must also examine whether communication breakdowns may have affected the timely understanding of what happened to David and Margaret,” Mason said.
The couple had retired just two years earlier, after David concluded a long career as a secondary school teacher and Margaret retired from her work as a community nurse. Neighbours in their Norwich suburb described them as “the heart of the street,” always involved in charity drives, church activities, and local events.
The inquest is expected to resume later this summer once additional documents have been submitted by the Spanish authorities. Coroner Goward has said she will consider calling expert witnesses to provide context on international road safety standards and cross-border cooperation in fatal accidents.
As the inquest continues, the family has called for privacy but expressed hope that a thorough and respectful process will help them find answers—and, eventually, peace.
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