Crash deaths probe call

Andrew Haigh, South Staffordshire coroner, said he would be writing to bosses at the fast food outlet on the Longford Retail Park in Cannock, urging them to take steps to stop car enthusiasts from congregating there.

His comments were made following an inquest on 18-year-old Willenhall teenager Ben Young. He died when a wooden stake from a fence pierced his chest.

The tragedy occured after his car spun out of control and smashed into a tree.

The inquest heard that Ben, of Mill Lane, Ashmore Lake, lost control of his Ford Fiesta when a friend who was driving a Vauxhall Corsa shunted his car from behind.

The group of friends had met up at McDonald's before the accident in Essington on August 15 last year.

Last week an inquest was held into the deaths of Stephen Millman and Daniel Powell, both 18, from Featherstone, who died instantly of head injuries in a crash at Four Ashes.

They had also had gathered at McDonald's in Cannock to show off their vehicles. Police have carried out a number of operations over the last few years to combat boy racers gathering at the premises and the large car park at the retail park where cars have been seized.

There have been reports of racing and tricks being performed on the car park and nearby roads including the A5 Watling Street.

Up to 60 cars at a time can gather at the venue and car enthusiasts from all over the country attend the meetings often organised on the internet.

Speaking at yesterday's inquest Mr Haigh said: "I will be writing to the relevant authorities and this includes the management at McDonald's in Cannock.

"This is the second inquest in the last week where where 18-year-olds have died in car accidents. On both occasions the victims had visited McDonald's. I believe it is a regular meeting spot."

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