A MAN died when a vehicle crashed into a tree off a major route during ‘prolonged heavy rainfall’, an inquest has heard.
Douglas Tandoh, 26, was a passenger in a Vauxhall Astra when the car left the A35 west of Charmouth near to Monkton Wyld and collided with a tree in the early hours of Sunday, October 31.
Sadly, Mr Tandoh, from Plymouth, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Another man, aged in his 30s and from London, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Mr Tandoh, who emigrated from Ghana with his three brothers in 2010, was known by many as YouTuber ‘DLuxx’ who shared reaction videos to his 102,000 subscribers
Following his death a fundraiser was set up to help pay for his funeral.
An inquest was opened into his death last week.
Bournemouth Coroner’s Court heard how Dorset Police received a report at 5.48am of a single vehicle collided into a tree off the A35 near to the junction with Elsdon's Lane.
Mr Tandoh was confirmed deceased at 6.35am.
Senior Coroner for Dorset, Rachael Griffin, stated this stretch of the A35 had a 70mph speed limit, but noted there was ‘prolonged heavy rainfall’ and ‘significant flooding present at the scene’.
She said: “The collision occurred during hours of darkness and there is no street lighting.
“At the time of the collision there had been prolonged heavy rainfall and upon police attendance there was significant flooding present at the scene.
“Dorset Police are continuing their enquiries into this incident.”
Following Mr Tandoh’s death, a post-mortem examination was undertaken by Dr Basil Purdue who said the cause of death was the effects of a head injury.
The inquest was adjourned to allow further investigations to be carried out. A final inquest date has yet to be set.
A spokesman for Dorset Police said investigations into the collision are ongoing and they continue to appeal for witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward.
Sergeant Rhys Griffiths, of the traffic unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who sadly died and we owe it to them to carry out a full investigation into the circumstances of this collision.
“I would ask any witnesses to the manner of driving of the silver Astra prior to the collision to please contact us. From our enquiries we understand the vehicle had travelled west from Bridport along the A35 and has distinctive Isle of Man number plates.
“I am also keen to hear from anyone who was driving on the A35 between Lyme Regis and Raymond’s Hill from around 5.30am to 6am on the morning of the collision who has dashcam footage of their journey, as it may assist our investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101 quoting incident number 31:203.
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