UPDATED: Mum-to-be dies in crash (From Echo)

UPDATED: Mum-to-be dies in crash

8:58am Wednesday 10th October 2007 in News By Nicola Fenn

ONE of the first people on the scene of the car crash in which pregnant Keely Hartnett died has described the horror of the accident's aftermath.

Ray Gosling, 45, of Manners Way, Southend, had just finished eating his dinner with his family when he heard an "almighty crash".

Hearing the alarm on his wife's 4x4 go off, they both raced outside fearing a speeding car had gone through their garden wall and into the car.

Instead, they were confronted with the aftermath of a collision, in which Keely, 21, from Rochford, and her unborn baby died.

The mum-to-be was just weeks away from giving birth. She had been a passenger in boyfriend Phil Roberts's blue Ford Escort which collided with a blue Peugeot 306.

Mr Gosling said: "It's such a tragedy and so horrific.

"It looked like the car was going to go up in smoke, so my wife went over and to the Escort to try and help.

"Looking at what happened, they didn't stand a chance."

He added: "I hadn't been in the house long. It's scary to think how things could have been different. I could have been pulling into my drive with my children in the car."

Mr Gosling said many people living in Manners Way believed the road was dangerous.

He said: "It's a long, straight road where people can pick up speed. I've had plenty of near misses.

"The council needs to get rid of the bollards, put up speed cameras and install a pelican crossing for pedestrians.

"This is the main road to the airport and, although I don't like speed cameras, they are a necessary evil here."

A 70-year-old neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "I lie in bed listening to the cars roar past. Everyone is shocked by what has happened."

Keely's partner Mr Roberts is being treated at Southend Hospital for a broken leg.

A 19-year-old driver from Southend has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and is being treated at Basildon Hospital for head injuries. He has not been charged.

There were three passengers in his car.

Two girls, aged 14 and 15, suffered severe back injuries and a 17-year-old boy suffered injuries to his hand.

Police are still appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information can call officers at Rayleigh Road Policing Unit on 01268 798122.

APOLOGY

A REPORT in today's Echo incorrectly said Keely had been able to speak to a witness at the crash scene. This was not the case. In fact, it is understood Keely was unconscious. We sincerly apologise for any distress caused by our error.

Tributes to 'little ray of sunshine'

FORMER colleagues of Keely Hartnett have paid tribute to their friend, describing her as a "larger-than-life" character.

The popular healthcare assistant also worked for about three years at the Rayleigh Lodge pub, in The Chase, Rayleigh.

Keely, 21, worked as a barmaid and, according to colleagues, was liked by all members of staff as well as customers. Sharon Saetz, 36, from Rayleigh, who worked with the expectant mum, said: "Keely was the life and soul of the pub and would always make everyone laugh.

"The customers loved her. If you walked into the bar and saw her working, you knew it was going to be a good night.

"She was a little ray of sunshine. She only came in here on Friday to see everyone and was her normal self. She was so looking forward to being a mum and was going to call her son Riley. It was all she talked about."

Miss Saetz said Keely met her boyfriend, Phil Roberts, 20, through working with him at the pub.

She said: "Phil is such a lovely bloke as well and there are so many people who want to rally around for him and help him out through this. He has lost his world. They were such a lovely couple.

"Keely was always the one that would get everyone up dancing when we were out.

"As well as being such a lively person, she would always listen if you had a problem and would always be able to cheer you up. She was never down herself. I don't think she knew how to be."