(Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
A young woman believed to have been murdered died of head injuries in a crash on the A1(M) near Darlington, an inquest has heard.
Elena Chiriac, 22, from Newcastle, died at the scene of the crash between Junction 57 and Junction 56 near Barton, North Yorkshire.
Police were called to the southbound carriageway on October 4 after a silver Ford Transit and a silver Volkswagen Golf collided shortly after 6pm.
At an inquest opening, held today (October 22) at Northallerton Coroner's Court, the assistant coroner for York and North Yorkshire Mark Armitage confirmed brief details about the 22-year-old, who was originally from Romania.
Police at the scene of the A1(M) crash (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
Mr Armitage confirmed that Ms Chiriac was involved in the collision on the A1(M) and was pronounced dead at the scene.
He gave a provisional cause of death for the 22-year-old as traumatic head injuries.
The assistant coroner suspended the inquest, awaiting the outcome of the ongoing police investigation.
Florin Chiriac, 31, of Hampstead Road, Newcastle, has been accused of murdering Elena, attempted GBH with intent of another man, and dangerous driving.
Christi Chiriac, 25, has accused of encouraging Florin Chiriac, 31, to drive in a way that would lead to the death of his sister Elena.
The woman has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Elena’s death, and anyone with information is asked to get in touch.
A 24-year-old man who was arrested following the collision has been released with no further action.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: "We would like to thank all those motorists who have already spoken to officers or come forward with information and dashcam footage to assist our investigation.
"However, we are continuing to appeal for witnesses. If you saw either vehicle in the moments leading up to the collision or witnessed the collision itself and have not yet spoken to police, please get in touch.
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"We are particularly keen to hear from drivers with dashcam footage that may have captured either vehicle before the collision or the collision itself. Even the smallest detail could prove significant to our enquiries."
Anyone with information can contact North Yokshire police via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP), live chat via the force website or 101 quoting reference 12260195308.
Alternatively, you can provide information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website anonymously.