THE three teenagers killed in the St James's School Alpine crash would probably have survived if their coach had been fitted with seat-belts, a Bolton inquest heard today.

The inquest into the deaths of Robert Boardman, Keith Ridding and Nicola Moore heard evidence from pathologist Dr David Bisset that the youngsters died from horrific injuries after they were catapulted out of the vehicle.

Mr John Galvin, representing the relatives of the three teenagers, asked Dr Bisset if the youngsters would have died if they had been wearing seat-belts.

After giving detailed evidence into the causes of death of all three Dr Bisset said: "It is likely the injuries would have been far less severe." The inquest earlier heard evidence from the parents of all three children.

Lesley Boardman, of Manley Avenue, Clifton, broke down in tears as she relived the events of July 7 last year.

She was told that her son Robert, 14, had died by staff at the school in Lucas Road, Farnworth.

Norman Moore, of Rutherford Drive, Bolton, told the inquest how he last spoke to his daughter Nicola, 15, when she telephoned from a motorway service station the day the trip left for France. Her parents had preferred her to go on an alternative trip to Holland, but Nicola insisted on the French activity holiday.

Mrs Carol Ridding, of Colmore Street, Tonge Moor, told the inquest that her son Keith, 14, had been excited before he left for the school trip.

She said: "I couldn't really afford it, but I wanted him to have the opportunities all the other children had."

The inquest was told that Mrs Ridding flew out to Keith's hospital bedside and spent some time with him.

She believed he would survive the night and went for some rest in a hotel. Tragically he died just 10 minutes after she left his side. The inquest heard that all three teenagers died from multiple injuries. Robert died from severe haemorrhaging caused by neck, kidney and liver injuries.

Nicola suffered multiple fractures to her skull and died at the scene after the coach plunged 60ft down a ravine.

Keith suffered a fractured skull and brain haemorrhage.

Coroner Martin Coppel read extensive translations of French police reports into the crash.

The inquest heard that a local French coach without seat-belts was hired after the English coach taken on the holiday broke down. The British coach had seat-belts.

French reports said that coach driver Jim Shaw had little experience of left hand drive vehicles.

Investigations said the road was narrow but in good condition. There were no significant mechanical problems with the vehicle although tyres were well worn even though they were within legal limits.

The inquest was told that Mr Shaw had told French police he did not consider his driving to be at fault for the coach leaving the road.

(Proceeding)

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.