Inquest opens into driver's death in Caersws A489 crash

John Robert Cowell Rough, from the Llanidloes area, suffered fatal injuries in a collision on the A489 near Caersws on Sunday, August 30 .

Mr Rough, who was driving a Honda Civic, was airlifted to Royal Stoke University Hospital following the crash but later died.

Opening the inquest at Pontypridd Coroner's Court on Tuesday, September 8, coroner Kerrie Burge said there was reason to believe Mr Rough's death was "unnatural" and linked to injuries sustained in the collision.

No post-mortem examination was carried out, with a hospital consultant recording the medical cause of death as multiple traumatic injuries.

Ms Burge said: "Based on the evidence outlined to me I am satisfied that it is necessary to open an inquest into the death of John Robert Cowell Rough because there is reason to suspect that his death was unnatural and related to trauma of a road traffic collision."

The coroner said further investigation was required and adjourned the inquest, with a full hearing to take place at a later date.

She added: "I offer my condolences to the family of Mr Rough on their loss."

The inquest opening follows an appeal by Dyfed-Powys Police for information about the collision.

In a statement issued last week, the force said: "Dyfed-Powys Police is investigating a two-vehicle road traffic collision that occurred on the A489, near Caersws, at around 10am on Sunday 30 August.

What happens at an inquest and what can the press report?

Reporting on inquests can be one of the most challenging parts of a journalist's job.

While the circumstances surrounding a death can be distressing, there are important public interest reasons why local news organisations attend coroners' courts and report on proceedings.

Inquests help establish who died, and when, where and how they came by their death. The hearings are generally held in public, meaning journalists are entitled to attend and report what is said in court.

If you would like to know more about the inquest process, what can be reported and why the media covers these hearings, read our guide here .

"The collision involved a beige Honda Civic and a white Renault HGV. The man driving the Honda Civic was taken to hospital via air ambulance. Sadly, he passed away.

"Next of kin have been informed and will continue to be supported by specialist officers. No other injuries were reported."

Officers are continuing to appeal for witnesses, dashcam footage and CCTV that could help their investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police quoting reference 26*710871.