Ellie Louise Frances HUNT · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 31 August 2021 I commenced an investigation into the death of Ellie Louise Frances HUNT aged 9. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 08 March 2024. The conclusion of the inquest was that:

On the 24th August 2021, Ellie Louise Frances Hunt was a travelling in the rear of a motorhome on the A64, Barton Hill. The front near side tyre unexpectedly deflated and the motorhome collided with a stationary vehicle. Ellie Louise Frances Hunt suffered multiple injuries. Her injuries were not survivable. Her death was confirmed at the scene of the collision, namely the A64, Barton Hill, at 20.08 on the 24th August 2021.

On the 24th August 2021, Ellie Louise Frances Hunt was a travelling in the rear living area of a motorhome vehicle, on the A64 Barton Hill, when the front near side tyre of the vehicle deflated, leading to a collision with a stationery vehicle. Ellie Louise Frances Hunt died instantaneously due to her multiple injuries. The vehicle had been converted into a motorhome, having originally been a works van. There were no seatbelts in the rear of the vehicle.

Evidence given during the inquest indicated that there is no legal obligation for seat belts to be fitted in the rear areas of motorhomes, for passengers to use when the vehicle is in motion. Whilst it was not possible to establish whether Ellie Louise Frances Hunt would have survived the impact if she had been wearing a seatbelt, as a wider point of public safety, I am concerned that adults and children over three years can travel in the rear areas of motorhomes without restraint, and that in doing so, this may create a risk to life.