Elderly Woman Killed in Shocking Tesco Crash by Husband’s Fatal Foot Mix-Up
An 86-year-old woman died after her 82-year-old husband accidentally smashed their car into a Tesco store in Hungerford, the inquest revealed. Anthony Charnock, unfamiliar with the Skoda Yeti’s automatic gearbox, stepped on the accelerator instead of the brake on December 8 – fatally injuring his wife Colombine, who was a passenger.
Crash Caused by ‘Unintended Acceleration’
The court heard Mr Charnock was trying to park in a blue badge spot when witnesses saw the car plough into several vehicles before crashing headfirst into the shop front. Miraculously, Mr Charnock escaped with minor injuries.
Mr Charnock admitted he had no memory of the moments before the crash and was inexperienced with the automatic car. Since the incident, he has handed in his driving licence and vowed never to drive again.
There was no mechanical fault with the vehicle, and no medical condition contributed to the accident. Police forensic expert David Russell confirmed the smash was caused by “unintended acceleration” – a common issue among older or younger drivers unfamiliar with automatics.
Heroes at the Scene and Family Tributes
Berkshire coroner Peter Bedford praised Tesco shopper and nurse Rachel Davies for her quick-thinking emergency treatment right after the collision.
The Charnock family paid a heartfelt tribute to Colombine as a “beloved wife, mother and grandmother”.
