Parents died following tragic collision on Rainford Bypass

In an inquest heard today (Thursday, June 8), the coroner explained how Alfred and Marie Grugel died following a collision on the Rainford Bypass in 2021.

James Martindale, from the Sefton, St Helens & Knowsley Coroner's Service, explained how a grey Vauxhall Corsa collided with a grey Ford Mondeo at about 12.50pm on Sunday, June 20, 2021.

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The fatal collision took place on Father's Day in 2021 (Image: St Helens Star)

Turn 'inexplicably' caused fatal collision

Both cars were reported to be travelling in opposite directions at around 60 miles per hour on the Rainford Bypass, when the driver of the Vauxhall "inexplicably" turned right at the junction with St Helens Road, when she should have given way to oncoming traffic.

The Vauxhall, which was being driven by a 29-year-old woman taking her parents to a meal on Father's Day, was stated to have been "90 degrees in lane one" at the time of impact with the Ford Mondeo.

The Ford Mondeo, which was being driven by a 28-year-old male and had a 24-year-old woman and a three-year-old child as the passengers, was said to have "immediately applied the brakes" prior to the collision.

However, it was confirmed that there was "insufficient time to stop or take any other evasive action" before the fatal collision.

Marie was described as a loving wife, mum and Nan (Image: Merseyside Police)

Catastrophic injuries caused to husband and wife

The tragic incident caused "catastrophic injuries" to 57-year-old Marie Grugel, who was sat in the front seat of the Vauxhall and died at the scene of the collision.

A previous statement from the Grugel family described the Kirkby-based Marie as a "warm and selfless person" who was a "loving wife, mum and Nan who will be missed so much by all of her family and friends”.

Alfred Grugel, a 62-year-old man who was sat in the rear side passenger seat, also suffered catastrophic injuries and was rushed to the Neurology department at Walton Hospital. He sadly died from his injuries on Saturday, July 10.

The 29-year-old driver was taken to hospital for serious injuries she suffered in the collision but was said to have made a full recovery.

The two occupants of the Ford Mondeo are also said to have suffered injuries from the collision but similarly made a full recovery.

Floral tributes left at the scene in Rainford (Image: St Helens Star)

'Momentary lapse of concentration' led to fatal outcome

Coroner Julie Goulding, explained that the driver of the Vauxhall was not under the influence of drink or drugs at the time of the incident and had no prior convictions or a history of road traffic offences.

She explained that no culpability was found on the driver of the Ford Mondeo, and that the Grugel family and police have decided not to pursue the prosecution of the driver of the Vauxhall.

Ms Goulding said: "On the evidence available following the police investigation, the driver of the deceased car inexplicably, due to a momentary lapse of concentration, turned in front of the other car and this act led to the fatal accident.

"The driver had not been drinking alcohol nor had she taken any drugs, the car was also roadworthy, and the driver had no history whatsoever of road traffic offences or any convictions."

Tributes to Marie left at the Rainford Bypass (Image: St Helens Star)

Mr Martindale added: "A momentary lapse in concentration led to catastrophic and tragic consequences to [the woman] and her family."

"The police and the defendant's family do not wish to proceed with charges [...] which is why the unusual decision has been made that it is not in the public interest to charge on this matter."

The cause of death was recorded as a road traffic collision.