'More people will die if action isn't taken': Urgent warning after tragic couple killed on major road

Council chiefs are being urged to take action after a 'salt of the earth' couple were killed in a tragic double collision. Michael Draper and Rafal Wojdyl were rushed to hospital following the crash on the A57 Cadishead Way, in Irlam, on June 23 last year.

Sadly, 62-year-old Mr Draper died in hospital on July 3, before 43-year-old Mr Wojdyl died 10 days later. Both died as a result of their injuries from the horror crash, an inquest at Bolton Coroners' Court heard in February.

Now, the coroner involved has written to the highways department at Salford City Council calling for a review into the safety of the junction where the tragedy unfolded. In a report published this week, coroner Prof Dr Alan Walsh told the council: "In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action."

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The report explains that driver Mr Draper and passenger Mr Wojdyl had been travelling along Fairhills Road in a Dacia Logan car before turning onto the A57, which runs between Eccles and Warrington. At the same time, a lorry was travelling along Cadishead Way towards Eccles, while a Citroen Berlingo van was travelling in the opposite direction waiting to turn right into Fairhills Road.

In the report, Prof Dr Walsh said: "At the junction Mr Draper, without reason, pulled out of Fairhills Road into Cadishead Way directly into the path of the HGV and there was a collision. As the collision developed, Mr Draper's vehicle was pushed back by the HGV, causing a further collision between Mr Draper's vehicle and the Citroen Berlingo."

The couple were rushed to Salford Royal Hospital but both died days