A WOMAN who died in a crash on the A13 has been named.

Gheorghita Simcea, 56, died after being involved in the crash on the road near the Five Bells junction on November 28.

Ms Simcea had been crossing the southbound carriageway of the road when she was hit by a car at approximately 5.30am.

She was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The road was closed for the majority of the day with traffic being diverted.

The inquest into Ms Simcea's death opened at Essex Coroner's Court in Chelmsford on Monday.

A provisional cause of death was stated to be multiple injuries due to a road traffic collision.

The the full inquest has been adjourned until May 17.

Ms Simcea was an employee at The Finishing Line, a packaging company based on the industrial estate on the south side of the A13.

Shortly after the crash, Andy Mead, director of the company, paid tribute to Ms Simcea. He said: "She was a friendly, hardworking and valued member of our team. Her family all work with me, and obviously they’re devastated she’s gone.

"It’s just heart-breaking. Two years ago, another one of my workers was hit on the road. She suffered life changing injuries.”

Mr Mead told the Echo he had called on Essex Highways to install a pedestrian crossing on the road, as many workers on the estate must cross the road to walk to work. The Finishing Line employs more than 250 people.