Tuesday 4 October 2022 07:39 PM Highways worker, 23, killed when 18 ton tree fell and crushed his van at 30mph trends now

Tuesday 4 October 2022 07:39 PM Highways worker, 23, killed when 18 ton tree fell and crushed his van at 30mph trends now
Tuesday 4 October 2022 07:39 PM Highways worker, 23, killed when 18 ton tree fell and crushed his van at 30mph trends now

Tuesday 4 October 2022 07:39 PM Highways worker, 23, killed when 18 ton tree fell and crushed his van at 30mph trends now

A highways worker completing essential work during Storm Eunice was tragically killed when an 18 ton tree fell and crushed his van.

Jack Bristow, 23, was in the passenger seat of a flatbed truck when it was 'crushed beyond recognition' by the huge tree in February as 70mph winds wreaked havoc across the UK, an inquest heard Tuesday.

He had been out doing essential maintenance work, collecting traffic light equipment that could have posed a significant danger to the public.

The Mercedes-Benz sprinter van was travelling between 20mph and 30mph through the town of Alton, Hants., when the tree toppled and destroyed his truck, killing him instantly.

A motorist driving behind it when the incident happened described how the van appeared to have 'hit a solid wall' because the impact of hitting the tree was so sudden.

The tragedy occurred during Storm Eunice which was considered to be the worst storm to batter Britain in more than 30 years. It set a new record for the fastest wind gust recorded in England - 122mph at The Needles, Isle of Wight. 

Highways worker Jack Bristow, 23, as tragically killed when an 18 ton tree fell and crushed his van while he was completing essential work during Storm Eunice

Highways worker Jack Bristow, 23, as tragically killed when an 18 ton tree fell and crushed his van while he was completing essential work during Storm Eunice

Bristow was in the passenger seat of a flatbed truck when it was 'crushed beyond recognition' by the huge tree in February as 70mph winds wreaked havoc across the UK

Bristow was in the passenger seat of a flatbed truck when it was 'crushed beyond recognition' by the huge tree in February as 70mph winds wreaked havoc across the UK

The inquest into Mr Bristow's death, held in Winchester, Hants, on Tuesday heard he had been collecting traffic management equipment shortly before the accident in February this year.

The young father and colleague Callum Smith had volunteered to complete the job when asked by a manager earlier that morning.

He had travelled from the depot of company Hooke Highways in Oxford to another depot in Woking, Surrey, before completing a job in Alton.

That job had been brought forward to 9am because the traffic light and signage would have posed a risk to public safety if left out during the storm, the inquest heard.

At around 10am, the Met Office imposed a red weather warning which advised that only essential travel should take place.

After collecting the equipment, Mr Bristow, from Sutton Courtenay, Oxon, and Mr Smith began travelling back to the depot, the inquest heard.

read more from dailymail.....

NEXT In news vacuum, rumours and concern swirl over Catherine mogaznewsen