"it is likely he was running late for work and may have been rushing"
An inquest heard that a “hardworking” taxi driver tragically died after a head-on crash with a shuttle bus at Birmingham Airport.
Sheraz Rashid was likely “rushing to get to work on time” when he veered onto the wrong side of the road and hit the shuttle bus.
The 33-year-old was fatally injured a minute before he was due to start his 1 pm shift on July 10, 2023.
Despite CPR attempts, Mr Rashid was confirmed dead at the scene.
Mr Rashid left behind three children in what police called “a sad set of preventable circumstances”.
Birmingham Coroner’s Court heard he was travelling at 66 mph before the bend. Mr Rashid then lost control of his Audi A4 and collided with the oncoming bus.
The impact sent Mr Rashid’s car spinning across the road before it came to a stop next to the carriageway.
The shuttle bus driver, who was transporting several passengers, said the Audi was “travelling really fast and was on the wrong side of the road” when he first saw it approach.
Mr Rashid’s car slammed into the front of the bus, with witnesses recalling the “out of control” car “screeching”.
The shuttle bus driver tried to avoid the collision but nothing could be done.
In an investigation report, PC Brindley said:
“This is a sad set of preventable circumstances which has led to the death of a young man.
“He was found to be travelling at an average speed of 66-67 mph prior to the left-hand turn, approximately 60 metres from the point of impact.”
The maximum speed for the bend would have been 51 mph.
PC Brindley added: “There is clear evidence that, at the time of the collision, Mr Rashid’s driving standard fell far below that of a careful and competent driver.
“Given the timings, it is likely he was running late for work and may have been rushing to get there.”
It was highlighted that Mr Rashid was not wearing a seat belt at the time.
Concluding the taxi driver’s death as a road traffic collision, the coroner also said Mr Rashid had “cocaine in his system” that “reflected recent use” but not necessarily “excessive or overdose” levels.
His GP said Mr Rashid’s “health was generally good” and there was no history of alcohol or drug misuse.
His injuries were detailed to the inquest, with the coroner telling Mr Rashid’s family it was “likely he would have been unconscious” and therefore, “unaware of what was happening to him”.
Area Coroner Emma Brown concluded:
“While travelling around a bend his vehicle drifted and he collided with an airport bus.”
“The police investigation found he was travelling at excess speed while being under the influence of cocaine. It was noted he was not wearing a seat belt.
“His death was as a result of a road traffic collision.”
The taxi driver’s death had previously sparked a wave of tributes, with many praising the “humble and hardworking” father-of-three.
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