Inquests open into fatal A61 crash at South Stainley

Inquests into the deaths of two of the three people killed in a crash on the A61 at South Stainley opened today.

Daria Bartienieva, 35, and her son Ihor Bartienieva, 6, died after a three-vehicle collision that involved a double decker bus on Ripon Road on September 3.

Daria’s step-daughter, Anastasiia Bartienieva, 15, was also killed as a result of the collision.

All three were from Ukraine and living in Ripon.

Jon Heath, senior coroner for North Yorkshire, opened the inquests into Daria and Ihor at a hearing in Northallerton this morning.

Mr Heath said both were killed as a result of a road traffic collision. The provisional cause of death was given as “multiple injuries” due to blunt force trauma.

The hearing was adjourned for a full inquest at a later date.

Holy Trinity School paid tribute to former pupil Ihor after the collision.

A fundraiser set up for 15-year-old Liza Bartienieva, who was orphaned following the incident, raised £48,000.

Read more:

 

Ripon school ‘heartbroken’ over death of six-year-old pupil

A Ripon school has said it is “heartbroken” over the death of six-year-old pupil Ihor Bartienieva in a three-vehicle crash last weekend.

Ihor and his mother Daria Bartienieva, 35, and Daria’s step-daughter, Anastasiia Bartienieva, 15, were killed in a collision that involved a double decker bus.

All three were from Ukraine and living in Ripon.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened on the A61 between South Stainley and Ripley at about 2.20pm on Sunday.

The Federation of Holy Trinity Schools has issued a statement which said staff and pupils “were heartbroken to learn of the tragic death” of infant school pupil Ihor on their return to school this week. It added:

“Ihor joined our year 1 class after arriving from Ukraine with his mum and sister and he soon became a popular member of the Trinity community.

“Ihor had boundless energy and enthusiasm; pupils were drawn to his chatty, charismatic character.”

Tracey Calland-Booke, Ihor’s year 1 class teacher, said:

“Ihor will be remembered by his classmates as a funny, chatty little boy who was loved by us all. We were all in awe of this little spark of joy who really brought something special to our class.”

Read more:

Executive headteacher Sue Sanderson said:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ihor’s family and friends. This devastating event has affected everyone within our community, and we are all now attempting to come to terms with our loss together.

“Staff and pupils have visited the poignant reflection space created by Holy Trinity Church to light a candle, say a prayer and share our happy memories of such a special little boy and his family. We will continue to seek support and comfort in our church and school community.”

£20,000 raised for surviving Liza

A fundraising appeal has now raised more than £20,000 for Daria’s sole remaining daughter, Liza, who was not involved in the collision.

Business have been rallying round to support the cause, with the city’s Black Swan pub on Westgate holding a fundraising event on Saturday.

The event, which starts at 2.30pm, will include live music by Freddie Clearly and a raffle. Further details are here.