Lorry Driver Admits Using Phone in Horror A34 Smash That Killed Four
A lorry driver has pleaded guilty to causing a fatal eight-vehicle crash on the A34 in Berkshire while distracted by his mobile phone.
Devastating Crash on A34
Polish driver Tomasz Kroker, 30, slammed his lorry into a family’s car on the A34 between Chieveley and West Ilsley on August 10.
At Reading Crown Court, Kroker admitted he was using his phone to look for music at the time of the collision.
Four Dead, One Seriously Injured
The crash tragically claimed the lives of Tracey Houghton, 45, from Bedfordshire, and three children in her car — two stepsons, Josh (11) and Ethan (13), and daughter Aimee Goldsmith (11).
A man was left seriously injured and five others sustained injuries in the smash.
Speed and Distraction Blamed
Police revealed Kroker was driving at around 50mph when he crashed into stationary vehicles. A slow-moving lorry had already caused a tailback when Kroker’s lorry collided with two other lorries and four smaller vehicles.
Police Slam Mobile Phone Blunder
“This was a truly devastating case where a mother and three children lost their lives and a man was seriously injured,” said Det Sgt Gavin Collier from the Serious Injury Collision Unit.
“The most tragic element is that it was avoidable. Tomasz Kroker was looking at his mobile phone while driving. This needless and avoidable act has resulted in the most devastating consequences. Phones are a distraction — these are the consequences that can so easily occur.”
Kroker was arrested on the day of the crash and charged on September 8. He will be sentenced on October 31.
