Lorry Driver Admits Using Phone While Killing Mum and Three Kids in A34 Horror Crash
A lorry driver has pleaded guilty after a devastating eight-vehicle crash on the A34 in Berkshire that claimed the lives of a woman and three children. Tomasz Kroker, 30, from Andover, Hampshire, admitted he was distracted by using his mobile phone to search for music moments before the deadly smash on August 10.
Crash on A34 Killed Four, Injured One
The tragedy unfolded between Chieveley and West Ilsley just after 5pm, when a slow-moving articulated lorry caused a traffic jam. Two lorries and four smaller vehicles were stationary, stuck in the tailback.
Kroker, driving a fourth lorry at around 50mph, ploughed into the back of the queue. The impact killed Tracey Houghton, 45, from Bedfordshire, and three children. A man was seriously injured in the pile-up.
Distracted Driver Caught and Charged
Reading Crown Court heard Kroker admitted to four counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He pleaded guilty on September 10 and is due to be sentenced on October 31.
Police arrived soon after the crash and arrested Kroker the same day. He was formally charged on September 8.
“He was distracted by using his mobile phone at the time of the collision,” a court spokesperson confirmed.
The devastating crash has left a community reeling and highlights the deadly risks of using a phone behind the wheel.
