A pregnant mum who died after she was hit by a speeding motorist on the M66 had pulled over onto the hard shoulder to answer a phone call, a pre-inquest hearing heard.
Frankie Julia Hough, 38, from Oldham, was driving on the motorway, at around 3.10pm on Saturday, May 13, when she suffered catastrophic injuries in the crash, and died in hospital two days later, reports Manchester Evening News.
As the inquest proceedings started today, Wednesday, May 24, it emerged she had pulled over to answer a phone call when she was struck by a BMW.
Adil Iqbal, 22, from Accrington, has since been charged with one offence of causing death by dangerous driving and a further two offences of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Ms Hough was in the motor with her two young sons, Tommy, 9, and Rocky, 2, as well as her four-year-old nephew Tobias.
The youngest child suffered only minor injuries but the two older boys remain in hospital.
At the hearing at Rochdale Coroners' Court, police coroners' officer Tracy Bunn confirmed Ms Hough's full name, date of birth and address in Chadderton.
The court heard that Ms Hough was single and died at Royal Preston Hospital on May 15.
The tragic mum was formally identified at the hospital by her father Frank Hough.
Mrs Bunn said: "Frankie was traveling on the M66 heading towards Manchester. Frankie pulled over to the hard shoulder. It's believed at this time she was answering a phone call.
"A vehicle being driven at excessive speed lost control causing the vehicle to collide with the rear of Frankie's car, causing it to rotate and come to rest in the main carriageway."
Mrs Bunn confirmed Ms Hough was rushed to Royal Preston Hospital with life threatening injuries after the horror crash and later died on May 15, with a subsequent a post mortem examination concluding that she died as a result of head injuries.
The court heard a male had been arrested and charged, and that a probe into the crash by GMP was now 'ongoing'.
Assistant Coroner Matthew Cox adjourned inquest proceedings until the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.
Tributes after Ms Hough passed away described her as a 'fierce mother with a heart of gold'.
Her brother-in-law Arron Welby said: "She was the most amazing person, she had a heart of gold. She was a dedicated, fierce mother and she was a fighter for her kids.
"She was the best auntie. She was a shining light, she would protect her kids with everything she had."
He added: "She was pregnant and was only just celebrating the week before with a baby shower when she found out she was having a little girl. It's just so sad."
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