AN inquest was opened today (Thursday, 12 Februarty) following the death of two men in a head-on crash after a car veered onto the wrong side of an Essex road.

Christopher Bottoms, 66, and George Herd, 18, both from Aveley, died following the crash on Ship Lane, Aveley, close to the former Thurrock Football Club, on Tuesday, 20 January, 2026.

Inquests into the two deaths were opened at Essex Coroners Court in Chelmsford this morning.

The court heard the crash happened when one of the vehicles crossed onto the wrong side of the road.

Michelle Brown, area coroner, opened the inquests into the deaths.

She said: "Mr Bottoms died on January 21, 2026 at the Royal London Hospital. At 11.05pm, he was involved in a two vehicle crash, after one the vehicles crossed the carriageway lines for reasons unknown.

She told the hearing a provisional cause of death of chest and abdominal injuries, was given and this is pending tests. Mr Bottoms was driving a Kia Picanto and was described as "a true family man with a quick wit and a kind heart".

Mr Herd was a passenger in a blue Mini Cooper that crossed onto the wrong side of the road, the coroner told the court.

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She added: "He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene by the air ambulance at 2.02am on January 21. He was identified by his family and a provision cause of death of chest injuries and almost complete transection of the aortic valve was given."

The coroner is also awaiting further tests for Mr Herd.

She also added Essex Police has requested the inquest process is delayed due to the police investigation.

She said the coroner service would be in touch with the police service in four months time.