Coroner calls for action after infant’s death in A1 collision

A coroner has issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report, after seven month-old Ayan Sediqi died following a road traffic collision on the A1 near Grantham, Lincolnshire, in January 2025.

Ayan died on 3rd January 2025, at Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, due to traumatic brain injuries sustained in the collision. The crash occurred when the family’s car skidded on ice formed, by water flowing across the southbound carriageway. The source of the water was traced to a blocked drainage pipe caused by tree roots.

H M Area Coroner for Greater Lincolnshire, Jayne Wilkes, highlighted several concerns in her report, including the duration of the road hazard and public uncertainty about how to report risks. Public responses after a police media appeal revealed numerous drivers had noticed flowing water or ice at the site prior to the collision, but were unclear on how or where to report these conditions.

The coroner emphasised that the lack of awareness posed a future risk: “There is a lack of public awareness as to who, where, and how motorists should report circumstances which present a risk of immediate danger to road users."

The report also noted that National Highways had since repaired the faulty drain and reiterated that ongoing maintenance of roads and drainage is shared among National Highways and local authorities.

Lincolnshire County Council, National Highways Midlands Region and Lincolnshire Police have been asked to respond to the report by 6th March 2026 with details of actions taken or proposed to address these concerns.

The report calls for improved public communication and awareness regarding reporting road hazards, suggesting clearer guidelines and options for motorists to report dangerous conditions promptly.

Copies of the report have been sent to the Chief Coroner, Ayan’s family and relevant authorities. Responses may also be shared, at the discretion of the Chief Coroner.

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