A YOUNG motorist died after losing control of his car while driving at "excessive" speeds on to a roundabout, an inquest heard.

Kevin Fallows, 23, of Calder Avenue, Billington, was driving a Peugeot 106, at least 15mph over the speed limit on the Petre roundabout, when he turned off on to Whalley Road in Langho, on September 16.

The inquest heard how the car collided with a four-wheel-drive vehicle carrying four people on their way to a wedding reception near Mitton Hall.

Mr Fallows, who worked at the SITA household waste recycling centre in Langho, died at the scene after he became trapped in the wreckage.

The other four passengers managed to escape with minor injuries.

Nathan Paul Crook, who was driving the Ford four-wheel-drive, told the inquest his girlfriend and their two friends had been at a wedding in Bacup and were on their way to the reception.

After missing his turning he continued on the roundabout to come back on himself.

He said: "As I looked to the right on the roundabout I saw a red car coming towards me.

"I remember commenting to the others that it appeared it was going extremely fast.

"All of a sudden I heard this almighty bang and then the car was filled with smoke.

"I thought it was on fire so I was shouting for everyone to get out."

Witnesses told the inquest that the driver seemed to be driving at an excessive speed.

Inspector James Booth told the hearing: "It was a 30mph speed limit.

"There was a range of speeds for the Peugeot between 41mph and 50mph. It was likely to be a minimum of 46mph.

"The speed for the other car was 20mph."

Pathologist Mohammed Aslam said alcohol was found in Mr Fallow's blood, but was well below the amount allowed to drink when driving and said that was not a contributing factor to the accident.

Deputy Coroner Carolyn Singleton recorded a verdict of accidental death.