THE inquest into the death of a driver who died when his vehicle plunged from a bridge onto the A12 has been opened.

Gurdip Johal, 30, was driving the lorry which crashed onto the southbound lane at Coleman's Bridge, near Witham last Wednesday.

Eye-witnesses say Mr Johal’s truck fell from the bridge, landed on the southbound carriageway and slid onto the grass verge and burst into flames.

It was carrying a large industrial sized battery.

The inquest into Mr Johal's death opened this morning at Chelmsford Coroners Court.

Coroner's officer Lynsey King, told the inquest opening: "For reasons unknown, the vehicle left the road to its near side, flattening the crash barrier and departing onto the A12.

"Paramedics arrived and attempted to deliver CPR. Despite the best efforts of all involved Mr Johal passed away."

A post mortem was carried out at Broomfield Hospital on Tuesday which found Mr Johal died from haemorrhages from multiple injuries caused by the crash.

The inquest has been adjourned until July 17 and the body has been released to the family.

Mr Johal's family paid tribute to him following the crash, saying they will "miss him forever."