The victims, Destiny Harrison and her daughter, Linnea Harrison, died following the collision on Victoria Road in March 2024.
Emergency services responded to the incident at approximately 9:45 a.m. after the pair were hit by a Nissan Qashqai driven by pensioner Brenda Marriott.
Linnea was pronounced dead at the scene, while her mother succumbed to multiple injuries later at Derriford Hospital.
Post-mortem examinations revealed that Destiny Harrison suffered multiple traumatic injuries, while Linnea died from a severe head injury.
Driver Says Traffic Lights Were Green
In a written statement presented to the inquest, Mrs Marriott, who did not attend the hearing, maintained that she had been travelling at around 30 mph behind a white vehicle as she approached the pedestrian crossing.
According to her statement, the vehicle ahead proceeded through the crossing while the traffic lights were still green, and she followed behind.
Mrs Marriott said her view was partially obstructed by the larger vehicle in front.
She added that she only noticed “two shadows” before seeing the woman and child step into the road while holding hands.
She told the court that she immediately applied the brakes after seeing them and expressed deep remorse over the incident.
“I do believe the lights were green when I drove through and think that the pedestrian misjudged the lights.
“I am so sorry. I am in shock,” her statement read.
Witnesses Recall Aftermath
Eyewitness Philip Askew said he was walking his dog nearby.
He testified that he heard a loud bang followed by screams shortly after briefly looking away from the crossing.
He said members of the public rushed to provide first aid to the victims.
However, he noted that he did not witness the actual collision or see the colour of the pedestrian traffic lights.
Another witness, Karen Bull, who lives close to the scene, said she heard what sounded like a vehicle over-revving before the impact.
She recalled seeing the pedestrians crossing the road calmly at a normal pace but could not determine the colour of the traffic signals.
“I heard a horrible noise. I can’t get the noise out of my head,” she told the inquest.
Investigation Found No Mechanical Faults
Forensic collision investigator PC Mel Inness informed the inquest that examinations found no mechanical defects with the Nissan involved in the collision.
She stated that there was no physical evidence available to determine the vehicle’s speed at impact.
She also could not determine whether emergency braking occurred immediately before the collision, or the colour of the traffic lights when the incident happened.
According to the investigator, the available evidence does not conclusively establish whether the driver or the pedestrians had the right of way at the crossing.
Inquest Ongoing
The inquest is continuing as the court examines witness testimony and forensic evidence, reports Daily Mail.
The court will need to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision that claimed the lives of Destiny Harrison and her young daughter, Linnea.
