A WAGON driver who died at the scene of tragic two-vehicle road crash in South Cumbria had possibly suffered a “medical episode” at the wheel.

As an inquest was formally opened into the death of 68-year-old Malcolm Houghton, a coroner was offered a hypothesis from police although she stated that a precise cause of the collision had yet to be identified.

Police said the collision had occurred on a westbound stretch of the A590 heading for Kendal shortly after 6am on Thursday, October 12. At that time, northbound traffic was being diverted from the M6 due to an earlier vehicle fire north of motorway junction 36.

Two large articulated goods vehicles had been involved in the crash. And in the aftermath police issued a public appeal for anyone with information or dash cam footage which captured the HGVs to come forward.

Ms Margaret Taylor, an assistant coroner for Cumbria, said: “Vehicle number one collided with the rear of vehicle number two. The driver of vehicle number one was the deceased. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of vehicle two was uninjured.

“At the moment it is not known what the cause of the collision was but the police have offered a hypothesis that it was due to a medical episode.

“There is no indication of excessive speed although it is believed Mr Houghton had not braked before colliding with the second vehicle.

“It is going to be necessary to have an inquest into this gentleman’s death. I’m therefore adjourning this matter so that enquiries and statements can be taken.”

A provisional date for resumption of the hearing has been given as April 16, 2024, and is due to take place at Cockermouth Coroners’ Court.

“Provided we do have all the information, I hope we can proceed and complete this matter,” said Ms Taylor.

Ormskirk-born Mr Houghton was an HGV driver by occupation who latterly lived at Milton Street, Southport. He was said by the coroner to have been divorced at the time of his death.