A driver told an inquest how an elderly man died a

A driver told an inquest how an elderly man died after
stepping into the path of his van.

Retired stoker Eric Gansler,80, was thrown six feet in
the air when he was hit by a green van in Well Hall Road, Eltham
on January 3 1993.

He died from multiple injuries at the Brook Hospital in
South East London.

Andrew Galloway told Southwark Coroners Court he didn’t
have a chance to swerve around Mr Gansler.

‘It happened so quickly, he just stepped out in front of
me – there was nothing I could do.

‘
‘It was a bright morning and the sun was in my eyes but
I was only going about 30mph.

The court was told the Warwickshire born pensioner, of
Prince Rupert Road, Eltham, stepped off the island in the middle
of the road in front of the van.

He was hit on his side and thrown in the air.

The accident was witnessed by motorists and a pedestrian,
who later confirmed Mr Galloway’s evidence.

Police tests on the road showed Mr Galloway’s vehicle had
been travelling no faster than thirty miles an hour.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Coroner Sir Montague
Levine said: ‘Mr Gansler stepped out when the car was on top of him.

‘It was virtually impossible for Mr Galloway to pull up.

‘
ends