Trial will follow F1 fans' deaths

Dean Andrews, top left, Jonathan Chandler, right, with his fiancée, and Shaun Williams, bottom left

Accidental death verdicts have been recorded on three mid Wales Formula One fans who died when their car was hit from behind in the Netherlands.

Jonathan Chandler and Shaun Williams, both 28, and Dean Andrews, 34, and Shaun Williams, died on their way to the Belgian Grand Prix in August 2004.

The three, from Newtown, Powys, were on a motorway north of Rotterdam, an inquest in Welshpool was told.

A motorist will be tried for dangerous driving in the Netherlands next month.

Powys coroner Geraint Williams told the inquest the Portuguese driver, Jose Luis de Quintas, said he failed to realise that their Ford Fiesta was stationary when he hit it.

I didn't realise that the cars in front of me were standing still Statement by driver Jose Luis de Quintas

The coroner read witness statements gathered by Dutch police during the 30-minute inquest.

Mr Williams told the court: "I understand that there are proceedings in Holland and one person is to face trial next month on those matters."

Multiple injuries

Quoting from a statement made by Mr de Quintas to police in the Netherlands, the coroner disclosed that the driver was taking his girlfriend home when the accident happened at about 1600GMT.

The men had stopped behind a car which hit the central barrier

Mr de Quintas told officers that he was travelling at approximately 100kph (54mph) when he saw cars and flashing lights 200-300m ahead.

A summary of his statement was read to the court, in which he said: "I looked to my girlfriend to tell her something had happened.

"I looked back to the road... the next moment the airbag on my car inflated.

"I didn't realise that the cars in front of me were standing still."

Mr Chandler, who was born in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, died in hospital in Rotterdam shortly after the collision. Mr Andrews and Mr Williams died at the scene.

All three men suffered multiple injuries.

The men all worked at Zest Foods in Newtown, and had been heading to the Belgian town of Spa.

Mr Chandler, who was engaged, was a development chef and had worked at the factory for nine years.

Mr Williams had a partner Claire and two young children. He was a keen supporter of Everton football club and he worked with Mr Andrews on the production line.