In a terrifying motorway incident that ended in tragedy, a Polish lorry driver has claimed a sudden coughing fit caused him to drive the wrong way down a major road, resulting in a fatal collision that claimed another motorist's life.
Horrifying dashcam footage obtained by investigators shows the moment the massive HGV travelling against traffic on the A45 in Northamptonshire, with oncoming vehicles swerving desperately to avoid a head-on collision.
The Fatal Moment
The catastrophic wrong-way driving occurred last year when 54-year-old Polish national Artur Stanczak allegedly entered the oncoming carriageway near Wellingborough. Despite other drivers flashing their headlights and attempting to warn him, the lorry continued its deadly path until it collided with a Ford Mondeo driven by 57-year-old Paul Gray.
Mr Gray, a father and respected member of his community, suffered catastrophic injuries in the impact and was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services.
The Driver's Defence
Stanczak, appearing at Northampton Crown Court, has offered a startling explanation for the deadly error. Through a Polish interpreter, he claimed that a sudden and severe coughing fit caused him to become disorientated, leading to the fatal wrong-way manoeuvre.
"I started coughing and couldn't stop," Stanczak told the court. "I was trying to reach for water when I must have taken the wrong turn. I didn't realise I was on the wrong side of the road until it was too late."
Prosecution Challenges Coughing Fit Claim
Prosecutors have cast doubt on the driver's explanation, presenting evidence that suggests Stanczak had driven approximately 400 metres against traffic before the fatal impact occurred.
"This was not a momentary lapse," the prosecution argued. "The defendant had multiple opportunities to recognise his error and correct his course. Other drivers were taking evasive action, yet he continued on his deadly path."
The court heard how dashcam footage from another vehicle clearly showed the lorry travelling the wrong way, with the driver apparently making no attempt to stop or turn around despite the obvious danger.
A Family's Grief
Paul Gray's family described him as a "devoted family man who would help anyone" in an emotional victim impact statement. They spoke of the profound void left by his sudden and preventable death, and the ongoing trauma suffered by those who witnessed the horrific collision.
The case continues as the jury considers whether Stanczak's coughing fit defence adequately explains the series of decisions that led to the fatal crash, or whether charges of dangerous driving causing death will be upheld.
