Wojciech Trzebinski died on the M65 in Lancashire
Wojciech Trzebinski died on the M65 in Lancashire
15:02, 26 Mar 2026
View 2 Images
Wojciech Trzebinsk(Image: Family handout)
A "kind and generous" dad who died after walking onto the M65 motorway in Lancashire and being hit by two cars was 'very drunk' at the time, an inquest has heard.
Wojciech Trzebinski, known as Wojtek, was hit by a Fiat Punto before being struck by a Mitsubishi ASX on the westbound entry slip road of the M65, at Junction 10 near Burnley, at 9.50pm on Friday November 21 last year.
The 34-year-old, from Accrington, was pronounced dead at the scene with the cause of death recorded as multiple traumatic injuries.
Get MEN Premium now for just GBP1 HERE - or get involved in our WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. And don't miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.[1][2][3]
An inquest into Wojtek's death was held today (Thursday March 26) at Preston Coroners' Court. The hearing was told the second driver failed to stop at the scene after "not acknowledging he'd been involved in a collision".
He was later arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit through drugs but was not charged.
The inquest was attended by Wojtek's sister, Sylvia, who was accompanied by a Polish interpreter.
View 2 Images
Wojtek was on the entry sliproad at Junction 10 when he was hit by a car
Reading from a statement from Wojtek's family, Area Coroner Emma Mather said: "He was intelligent, independent and hard-working. He had a daughter... he was very proud to be Polish and he was always willing to help others; he was kind and generous."
The court heard that Wojtek, a factory worker who was born in Poland, was "profoundly intoxicated" at the time of his death. Toxicology tests revealed he had a blood alcohol level of 235mg.
The legal limit for driving is 80mg.
Wojtek had been at work do
On the night of November 21, Wojtek had been at a work do in Burnley with colleagues from window manufacturer VEKA. The group visited several pubs, including Wetherspoon, before moving on to another.
Curtis Williams said Wojtek had been drinking beer and Guinness and was "very drunk" before a bouncer told him to leave the pub. CCTV from the moments just before the crash showed Wojtek walking "very unsteady" and looking at his mobile phone.
The inquest heard a statement from Alison Shenton, who was driving on the M65 on the night of November 21 when she saw Wojtek "walking across the top of the sliproad in the direction of oncoming traffic".
There was no hard shoulder and Wojtek, who was wearing dark clothing, "was very close to lane one and could even be in lane one".
A 24-year-old from Burnley later told police he was joining the motorway at Junction 10 when "all of a sudden a man appeared in front of me".
Wojtek was thrown onto the bonnet of his Fiat Punto before landing in the carriageway where he was hit by the Mitsubishi.
Several motorists stopped at the time of the collision including the Fiat. However, 31-year-old Mitsubishi driver, from Nelson, did not stop at the scene and later told police he was not aware he had hit Wojtek.
The Fiat driver was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit through drugs while the Mistubishi driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit through drugs. No further action was taken against either driver.
The inquest heard from collision investigators from Lancashire Constabulary who said both vehicles were likely travelling at around 70mph at the time of the collisions.
Neither car had any mechanical defects or faults.
'You will always live in our hearts and minds'
Returning a conclusion of a road traffic collision, Area Coroner Emma Mather said she had heard "nothing but lovely things" about Wojtek. She concluded that "there would have been insufficient time for either driver to avoid the collision".
"Wojtek was intoxicated and he was probably not fully cognisant of his surroundings," she added. "It was dark, there were no street lights and he was wearing dark clothing, all of which contributed to the collision."
After Wojtek's death, his family released a tribute via Lancashire Police. They said: "On 21st November our beloved Wojciech Trzebinski, known to all simply as Wojtek, was taken from this world in a tragic accident.
There are no words that can capture the depth of our sadness or the emptiness left in our hearts.
"Wojtek was and will always remain, someone truly special - a devoted father, a cherished son and brother, a loving nephew and uncle, a loyal cousin, and a dear friend to so many. Wojtek found peace and joy in the mountains, often walking their paths with his daughter Julia by his side.
Article continues below"After long days at work, he shared laughter and adventures through computer games with his nephew Dawid and cousin Karol. And in quiet moments, he embraced his passion for cooking, creating meals with the same warmth he brought into our lives.
"His presence, his smile, and his kindness will stay with us forever.
You will always live in our hearts and minds, Wojtek.
"We have been deeply moved by the messages from friends and family relating to Wojtek's untimely passing.
Rest in peace our beloved Wojtek - until we meet again."