Woman, 47, was hit and killed by 40-tonne truck while clambering out of overturned car after crash, inquest hears

By JAKE HOLDEN, UK NEWS REPORTER Published: 09:24, 28 July 2026 | Updated: 09:29, 28 July 2026 A woman was struck and killed by a huge lorry while clambering out of an overturned car which crashed after aquaplaning, an inquest has heard. Clare Laskey, 47, was being driven by her 60-year-old partner at night when they hit standing water on the A30 dual carriageway at Whiddon Down in Devon in October 2024. The car flipped over onto its roof, and as Ms Laskey crawled out from the wreckage, a 40-tonne Scania truck and trailers ran her over, Devon Coroner's Court heard. The couple had been driving to Bristol Airport for a romantic getaway when the car slid off the road and rolled over four times, Ms Laskey's partner said. He revealed the very last thing she said to him was 'I suppose we are not going on holiday', to which he replied, 'just get out of the car'. But she did not get out in time. Ms Laskey's family - from the Lizard peninsula in Cornwall - issued a heartbreaking tribute for her. They said: 'We are devastated by the loss of our beautiful, loyal and funny daughter, partner, sister and aunt in such tragic circumstances. 'She will be sadly missed by us all, including her friends and the amazing Lizard community. Forever in our hearts.' Clare Laskey, 47, was killed as she clambered out of an overturned car which crashed after aquaplaning while on the way to the airport for a romantic holiday with her partner The lorry driver said that it was raining heavily on the night of Ms Laskey's death, and high winds were blowing through the dark night and down the unlit road. The lights on the couple's upended silver Kia Ceed car had gone out in the crash. He said he had seen a man waving his arms beside the carriageway, but there was no time to brake or avoid Ms Laskey before he drove over her. She was left with two broken legs and ribs and several other injuries after the impact and became unresponsive. She died from chest and lower limb wounds, the inquest heard.  Her partner was also injured and had to be rushed to hospital but was later discharged. He told witnesses at the scene that he had lost control while going 60mph after aquaplaning in his car and coming off the road, but then rolling over and returning to the inner lane of the A30. Ms Laskey's death was recorded on the trucker's dashcam. It showed that she was still trying to get out of the car while her partner had already made it clear in time. The lorry driver said he was 'devastated by what happened' but that he could not have done anything to avoid colliding with the crashed car. Coroner Alison Longhorn recorded a road traffic collision conclusion, saying Clare was not able to get out of the car when the collision happened.