The inquest into the death of a motorbike rider who was killed in a crash with a pickup truck on one of mid Wales’ busiest roads has opened.

Stuart Calder, 73, died when the grey BMW motorbike he was riding collided with a white Toyota Hilux on the A44 near Nantmel at around 1.50pm on Tuesday, April 4.

A pillion passenger suffered serious injuries and was taken by air ambulance to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff for more treatment, and the pickup driver avoided any serious injuries.

Pontypridd Coroners’ Court opened the inquest into the death of Mr Calder, from Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire, which heard the brief circumstances of the collision.

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Both vehicles were travelling westbound towards the general direction of Rhayader with the Toyota ahead of the motorcycle.

“On the approach to the village of Nantmel village, the Toyota has slowed with the intention of turning right into the offside junction and towards his home address.

“At the same time, the motorcycle would appear to have attempted an overtake manoeuvre and collided with the driver's side of the Toyota.

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“The rider of the Motorcycle was pronounced deceased at scene.”

The provisional cause of death is pending further investigation following a postmortem examination at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital on April 12.

The provisional date for the full inquest has yet been set.