Family mourn Austria crash victim

Mr Hamilton had booked the holiday at the last minute

The family of a British holidaymaker killed in a coach crash in Austria say he only decided to go there at the last minute.

David Hamilton, 33, from Bournemouth, was one of five Britons killed in the accident south of Salzburg on Tuesday.

He was on a last-minute holiday with his girlfriend Liz Cullen, 26, who suffered elbow and knee injuries.

His brother Stewart said: "Liz and David worked hard but they also played hard.

"Liz is a career girl and David also had a strong work ethic.

"But they also enjoyed life and went away on holiday as much as they could. This one was a last-minute deal."

Mr Hamilton's father Alan said: "As well as being my son, he was my business partner. I just can't take in what has happened. I just feel numb."

Sandra Hamilton described her son as "tall, dark and handsome".

She said: "He was so friendly and liked by everyone.

"He rang us to say they had arrived safely in Austria. That was the last time I spoke to David.

"Liz phoned us from the hospital after coming out of theatre but she didn't know what had happened to him."

We are a very close family and no words can express how much we will miss him Hamilton family

The couple are being comforted by friends at their home in the Southbourne area of Bournemouth, near the home their son shared with Ms Cullen.

Mr Hamilton was a partner in the family electronics business, a scout leader and a keen trombone player, who was a member of a number of bands.

He also leaves sister Michelle, another brother Andrew, a nephew and three nieces.

A family statement said: "The whole family is totally devastated and David will be missed by us all.

"We are a very close family and no words can express how much we will miss him."

At least 40 of the 49 coach passengers - 42 of whom were British - were hurt and five Britons remain critically ill in hospital.

Austrian police believe the coach was forced off the road by a minibus, which swerved to avoid an oncoming car while overtaking.

On Thursday the driver of the minibus was charged with causing death by negligence.