A couple and their teenage son died after their BMW, travelling at more than 100mph, veered off the M5 and crashed with such force that witnesses likened the impact to an explosion, an inquest heard.
Andy Moore, 46, his partner Swala Harling, 47, their 14-year-old son Sebastian Moore and their eight-year-old daughter were driving home from a family holiday when the tragedy unfolded near Gloucester on May 30, 2025.
The BMW struck a motorway barrier, sending it down an embankment before the car crashed into trees.
Mr Moore, Ms Harling and Sebastian died in the collision. Their daughter survived and was later placed in the care of relatives.
During an inquest this week, witnesses described seeing the BMW weave across the motorway before it left the road and burst into flames “like an explosion”.
Area coroner Dr Peter Harrowing said Mr Moore had epilepsy, had undergone an aortic valve replacement and had a pacemaker. However, he said there was insufficient evidence to conclude that the driver had suffered a medical episode.
Andrew Robiliard, who was travelling on the M5, said the BMW overtook him at high speed in the outside lane before crossing several lanes and using the hard shoulder to pass lorries.
“I would estimate the speed at over 100mph,” he said.
Andy Moore (centre), 46, his partner Swala Harling (left), 47, and their 14-year-old son Sebastian Moore (right) died when their BMW left the M5 near Gloucester on May 30, 2025
The family was travelling back to its home in Clay Cross, Derbyshire, after a holiday in Cornwall
Lorry driver Adam Norris said he was “shocked” when the BMW undertook him on the hard shoulder.
“I would estimate it between 100mph and 120mph. It could even be as much as 130mph,” he told the inquest.
Joshua Jack put the car’s speed at approximately 140mph.
“It was travelling very fast and had thrown up debris from the hard shoulder, which covered my car,” he said.
Another motorist, Andrew Harding, said the BMW was speeding with its hazard lights activated.
“I formed the opinion it appeared like someone apart from the driver was trying to steer,” he said.
“By this I mean it appeared that whoever was in control of the car was over-compensating, causing the car to swerve from side to side.”
Motorist Ali Shabaz saw the crash unfold in his rearview mirror.
“I can only describe this collision as like an explosion, with a big cloud of smoke followed by car parts being thrown everywhere,” he said.
Lorry driver Peter Bakowsky also witnessed the incident. He told the court: “In a matter of seconds, I saw the vehicle brake lights come on and heard tyres screeching, before watching the vehicle crash into the barriers, landing in a field.
“The next thing I remember is a cloud of dust and parts of the vehicle scattered across the motorway.”
Another lorry driver, Jurgens Terblanche, was travelling on the southbound carriageway when he saw the crash.
“I then saw the white car speed directly into and collide with the barrier with a massive force, and the car pitched upwards and went airborne towards several trees just off the motorway,” he said.
Sebastian, known as Seb to friends, played for Chesterfield Panthers rugby club’s Under-15s team after joining at the start of the season
“I would describe it travelling some distance airborne before it collided with the trees and dropped into what looked like a ravine off the motorway.”
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Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the three occupants from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, were pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
The inquest heard that collision investigators could not establish whether the BMW had any faults or defects because of the extent of the damage.
Post-mortem examinations found that Mr Moore, a mechanic, died from multiple injuries. Ms Harling, who worked in IT, also suffered multiple fatal injuries, while Sebastian died from head injuries.
Toxicology tests on Mr Moore were negative for drugs and alcohol. Experts examined his heart and brain, but, the coroner said, “again nothing of note was found that caused or contributed to the death”.
“It is not for me to answer a question of why,” Dr Harrowing said.
“There is insufficient evidence before me to indicate that this was a deliberate act on the part of Mr Moore in driving the vehicle in the manner in which he had driven.
“It has not been possible to identify whether there were any mechanical defects.
“He may have suffered a medical episode at the time, but there is insufficient evidence for me to make a finding in that respect.
“Therefore, as to why the vehicle was being driven in the manner it was driven, there is insufficient evidence for me to reach a conclusion on the balance of probabilities.”
Friends described the family as “kind, friendly and much-loved” in tributes following the crash.
Rich Hardy, 46, had been friends with Mr Moore since they met at secondary school in Chesterfield and paid tribute to his longtime friend.
“It’s devastating. Andy has been my best mate for the last 36 years. He was a constant joker with a dark sense of humour, but he was the sort of person who would always be there for you no matter what,” he said.
“Swala was quiet but an absolutely genuine person and a brilliant mum. They were always together doing things as a family. They had been together for around 20 years.
“Sebastian was a big rugby fan and had inherited his dad’s sarcastic side.
“I remember he broke my ribs at Christmas while we were play-fighting because he was much stronger than he realised.
“They had planned to drive home from Cornwall the following day but left early to beat the traffic. We are a group of six friends and had been laughing and joking in our WhatsApp group. A couple of days later, I got the news and it just knocked me off my feet.”
Friends remembered the family as kind, welcoming and deeply loved after the fatal crash
Sebastian, known as Seb, played for Chesterfield Panthers rugby club’s Under-15s team after joining at the beginning of the season.
In a Facebook tribute posted after the crash, the club said Seb and Andy had quickly become valued members of the organisation.
“Seb and Andy became part of our club like they had always been with us – respected by teammates, coaches and parents alike.
“Seb was a kind, calm and friendly young man, always willing to listen, always with a smile and always giving his best for the team.
“Andy’s presence on the sidelines and around the club was just as valued – warm, supportive and easy to talk to.
“He was a lovely man and a true gentleman who, like his son, became part of our club in the most natural and meaningful way. Both Seb and Andy left a lasting impression on everyone who met them, and their loss is deeply felt by all of us.
“Swala’s passing is equally heartbreaking. Though not as closely involved at the club, it is clear how much love and warmth she brought to her family, and how deeply missed she will be by those who knew her.”
The coroner recorded the deaths as resulting from a road traffic collision.