EditorCoroner calls for safety action following death of Swansea solicitor Emily Thornton-Sandy
His action follows the devastating collision in which Emily died after another driver travelled the wrong way down the dual carriageway. The coroner recorded a conclusion of Road Traffic Collision.
Emily, from Pontarddulais, had been travelling home from a veterinary appointment at around midday on 5 November 2024 when the collision occurred between Pont Abraham and Cross Hands.
Her dog, Scout, sadly died shortly afterwards. Emily was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff but died six days later from catastrophic injuries. The collision involved two other vehicles.
At the inquest on 3 December 2025 at Llanelli Town Hall, Senior Coroner Paul Bennett said a 90-year-old driver had pulled out of a junction on the eastbound side of the A48 near Cross Hands, leaving Emily no time to react. Two other vehicles were also struck in the tragic sequence of events.
Evidence from Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the road was in good condition, the weather was dry and overcast, visibility was clear, and the junction already had a sign instructing drivers to turn left. No emergency braking marks were found, and both drivers were wearing seatbelts.
The inquest also heard that the driver who caused the collision had been seen by a medic at his home two days earlier after experiencing a sudden loss of consciousness. He was assessed following the episode but, the court heard, there had been no medical instruction or clear indication at that time that he should not continue driving.
In light of the evidence, the coroner confirmed he will raise concerns with the South Wales Trunk Road Agency and Carmarthenshire Council about the junction from which the other driver exited moments before the fatal crash.
Emily’s family have welcomed the decision, hoping it will draw attention to long-standing safety concerns on a stretch of road where Dyfed-Powys Police recorded 169 crashes in just 12 months. However, they remain gravely concerned that further markings alone will not prevent future incidents, given that clear signage is already in place.
Emily’s family have described her as intelligent, kind and compassionate, devoted to her work supporting people affected by asbestos exposure, and passionate about literature and houseplants. Three people benefited from organ donation following her heartbreaking death.
During the inquest, where the family were represented by Thompsons Solicitors, statements from Emily’s husband and parents were read out.
Her husband, Stuart, said he would do all he could to prevent other families suffering similar loss. He said:
“Nobody should have to see their wife as I saw Emily in hospital. Emily lost her life, and I lost my future. I never envisaged living my life without her. I felt like I lost purpose when I lost Emily and Scout.”
Emily’s parents described her death as an avoidable tragedy and urged people to speak up if they have concerns about the driving ability of an elderly relative, in the hope that it may prevent another family enduring such unbearable grief.
Helen Shakespeare, Partner at Thompsons Solicitors and the family’s legal representative, said:
“Emily’s death was devastating to all who knew and loved her. The inquest has shown that what happened was entirely avoidable.
“The family therefore welcome the coroner’s decision to raise concerns with the highways authorities, but they remain deeply worried that more meaningful action is needed to address the wider safety issues on a road where so many serious incidents have occurred.”
[Lead image: Family photo]
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