A YOUNG woman died five years after suffering serious injuries in a car crash, an inquest heard.

Kelly Hutchinson of South Shields was 17-years-old when she was hit by a Citroen Saxo on the A1300 dual carriageway between South Shields and South Tyneside in August 2007.

Crook Coroner’s Court heard today (Wednesday, May 15) that she survived the collision but suffered serious brain damage and died on December 29 last year from complications caused by her injuries.

The court heard the elderly Saxo driver became very ill following the crash and died shortly afterwards.

Coroner Andrew Tweddle recorded that Miss Hutchinson’s death was accidental.

Since the incident, the speed limit on the A1300 has been reduced from 50mph to 40mph.