An 84-year-old blind and dementia-stricken widow was fatally struck by multiple vehicles on a busy road during Storm Claudia, an inquest has revealed.
Blind Pensioner Killed in Horror Crash on Busy A361
Pauline Savery, a retired Post Office cleaner from Caenhill near Devizes, died instantly on November 14 after wandering onto the bustling A361 in the dark. The registered blind pensioner was walking home from a local shop when she was hit by several vehicles in quick succession.
Despite living just a few hundred yards from the scene in a quiet close, Pauline somehow ended up in oncoming traffic, suffering fatal head injuries. Emergency services declared her dead at 6:20pm.
Devastated Community Pays Tribute to Local Favourite
Neighbours described Pauline as a beloved member of their tight-knit community. Janet Winfield, 81, said:
“It is all very, very sad. It was right in the middle of Storm Claudia. We often saw her walking by to the shop around the corner. She’d lived here many years and always spoke to us. She had a dog called Alfie.”
Before her tragic death, Pauline received regular visits and lunch deliveries from Age Concern.
Inquest: Dementia and Blindness Contributed to Tragic Death
The Salisbury inquest revealed Pauline died from traumatic head injuries during the collisions. Her vascular dementia and registered blindness were listed as contributing factors. The hearing has been adjourned, with a new date to be set.
This heartbreaking case underlines the deadly dangers vulnerable pedestrians face on busy trunk roads, especially in stormy conditions.
