Inquest concludes into deaths of two men in Bradford crash

Arsalan Khalid Baig’s relatives spoke out following the conclusion of an inquest into his death and that of drug driver Mohammed Azad Khan, who had taken cannabis and nitrous oxide and was in a “drug-intoxicated condition” when his car failed to negotiate a 90-degree bend on a Bradford industrial estate.

Arsalan Khalid Baig (Image: The Baig family)

They said his death had left “an irreplaceable void” – and that his grief-stricken father had died from a broken heart a year after his beloved son.

The crash was 'catastrophic' 

The inquest at Bradford Coroners' Court heard that the “catastrophic” crash happened at the junction of Dryden Street and Buck Street in Bradford late on July 30, 2022.

Both men were rescued from the car by members of the public and given CPR, which was continued by emergency services when they arrived.

Mr Khan, 24, died at the scene at eight minutes past midnight on July 31. Mr Baig, also 24, who was in the front passenger seat, was taken to Leeds General Infirmary in “a deeply unconscious state”.

Following a significant period of cardiac arrest, his family consented to the withdrawal of medical care and he died at 11.35am on July 31.

A third passenger sitting in the rear received a broken leg but survived.

No one in the car was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, which experts said could have reduced the severity of the men’s injuries and saved their lives.

Post-mortem examinations revealed Mr Khan succumbed to chest injuries, and that Mr Baig died of severe head injuries.

Expert investigations showed that cars approaching the sharp bend on Dryden Street/Buck Street, which was wet at the time of the crash, should be in second gear and travelling at well below 30mph.

The scene of the crash

However the Audi being driven by Mr Khan was travelling at speeds between 57mph and 72mph, with an average of 64mph.

A toxicology report showed Mr Khan’s use of cannabis was significantly higher than the legal limit – nine times the drug-driving limit – and he had inhaled nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, which causes slow reactions, dizzy spells, and blackouts.

It would have impaired his cognitive functions such as his ability to control the car, resulting in the fatal collision.

Capsules of nitrous oxide were discovered in the car.

Assistant coroner Angela Brocklehurst concluded that both men died as a result of a road traffic collision whilst Mr Khan was intoxicated following drug use, and driving at a speed that was twice the limit.

She observed that a similar death had taken place at the same location – a pick-up truck crashed last October, killing the driver – and that there was a lack of speed notification and hazard warning signs.

As a result she is to raise the matter with Bradford Council and request that “steps are taken” in the hope of saving future lives.

She told Mr Baig’s relatives: “It might be some little good that comes out of this inquest, and other lives are saved.

“It’s time people knew about these dangerous spots.”

'We urge everyone to grasp the gravity of their decisions behind the wheel'

Speaking after the inquest Mr Baig’s family issued the following statement: “Arsalan was a very much-loved and important part of our now broken family.

“He was a loving son, loving brother, and a loving uncle leaving behind a twin sister. He was a happy, bubbly child full of life who had aspirations for his bright future that have now been left unachieved.

“Words cannot express the profound grief we feel knowing that his life was cut short unjustly. His absence leaves an irreplaceable void in our lives, which our father unfortunately could not handle and passed away a year after him with a broken heart.

“While nothing can bring him back, we are left grappling with the immense pain of knowing his life was needlessly cut short.

“Today’s inquest serves as a poignant reminder of the journey we’ve endured since his tragic departure, grappling with the unanswered questions surrounding the circumstances of his death.

“We urge everyone to grasp the gravity of their decisions behind the wheel, understanding the immense ripple effects they can trigger.

“Additionally, let us heed a crucial lesson from this tragedy: the importance of ensuring the sobriety and attentiveness of those behind the wheel before entrusting them with our lives.”