An inquest has been opened into the death of 45-year-old Kalin Hadzhiev, the second victim of a fatal collision on the A13 in Rainham on 14 February 2025.
Incident Details
Mr Hadzhiev, a Bulgarian national living in Swiftsure Road, Chafford Hundred, Essex, was driving a Honda Jazz eastbound near the Ferry Lane junction when a black Audi travelling west at high speed lost control. The Audi clipped another vehicle, causing it to skid and launch over the central reservation, ultimately colliding with Mr Hadzhiev’s car.
A doctor from the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) pronounced Mr Hadzhiev dead at the scene.
Coroner’s Findings
At East London Coroner’s Court, Dr Shirley Radcliffe stated that clear CCTV and dash cam footage had captured both the lead-up to the crash and the moment of impact.
A post-mortem examination conducted by CT scan determined Mr Hadzhiev’s cause of death as “multiple severe traumatic injuries”.
The inquest was adjourned pending further police investigation.
Tributes and Fundraising
Before Friday’s hearing, loved ones had identified Mr Hadzhiev only as “Kalin”, launching an online fundraiser to support his grieving family. The page described him as:
“A man with an enormous soul, who was always with us, showing kindness, honesty, and love. He was a true example of selflessness, always helping anyone in need without expecting anything in return.”
The fundraiser has so far raised nearly £8,000 for his wife and two children.
Other Victims and Investigation
An inquest was previously opened into the death of the Audi’s passenger, 37-year-old Laimonas Narvydas, of Cross Road, Collier Row.
The Audi’s driver survived but sustained life-changing injuries.
A man in his mid-40s was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released on bail until late March.
The Metropolitan Police continue to investigate and have urged witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage to contact 101, quoting reference CAD 4979/14Feb.
Further updates will follow as the inquest progresses.
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