Beloved Yorkshire Gran Dies After Mobility Scooter Crashes at Speed
A tragic accident in Cleckheaton led to the death of a beloved grandmother
Cleckheaton, Yorkshire, Mobility Scooter, Accident, Coroner, Safety
Cleckheaton: A heartbreaking incident occurred when a loving great-grandma lost her life after her mobility scooter went out of control. Angela Carney, just 65, was riding her scooter when it sped down a hill and crashed into a car.
On September 26, Angela was on the A643 Westgate when her scooter collided with a black Nissan Navara. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she sadly succumbed to her injuries.
After an inquest, the coroner revealed that Angela had accidentally switched her scooter into freewheel mode. This mistake meant she couldn’t brake or steer away from danger.
As she rolled downhill on Westcliffe Road, she couldn’t stop in time and crashed into the pickup truck. The driver of the Navara couldn’t avoid the collision, leading to Angela suffering severe chest injuries.
Even though the scooter was deemed roadworthy, it lacked a fail-safe braking system. Angela had bought it second-hand from a neighbor, and it didn’t have a mechanism to stop in emergencies.
The coroner noted that Angela had moved her scooter out of her garden and activated the freewheel mode without realizing the risks. She didn’t turn the engine on, which meant the brakes wouldn’t work.
He expressed concerns about the absence of a secondary braking system in older models and urged authorities to review safety regulations for mobility scooters.
Angela’s family shared their grief, saying she was a kind and loving person who would be deeply missed. They thanked everyone who supported them during this tragic time.