A “happy-go-lucky” man was on his to work when he was killed in a crash before the morning rush hour on the M20, an inquest has heard.

Freddie Slater was travelling coastbound in his Smart car, near Junction 1 of the motorway, when it was involved in an initial collision with a blue Vauxhall Mokka at around 6.15am on Wednesday, October 16.

The 26-year-old’s dark blue vehicle was then hit in a further crash with a BMW 5-Series estate on the slip road from the M25, where it joins the M20, near Swanley.

An inquest opening in Maidstone last Thursday (October 31) heard how the man was involved in the fatal road traffic collision.

Coroner Alan Blunsdon told the court Freddie’s cause of death was given as hypovolemic shock and internal haemorrhage as a result of the crash.

Emergency services, including police and paramedics, were called to the collision, but Freddie, of Willersley Avenue in Sidcup, died at the scene.

A fundraiser was set up for the man, who worked as a HGV driver, by colleague Cliff Smith.

He wrote: “I am trying to help raise some funds to help Freddie’s family at this incredibly sad and difficult time,

“As most are aware now Freddie tragically lost his life in a car accident on his way to work.

“We are all still in shock about this very sad accident, Freddie was a happy-go-lucky kinda guy and was well-liked and loved by all his work colleagues.

“Please donate anything that you can to help raise some money for Freddie’s family that may help out at this terribly sad time.”

To date more than £1,000 has been raised.

The M20 coastbound was closed for several hours between junctions one and three, and motorists were advised to avoid the area.

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.

Anyone who saw the collision or any of the cars prior to the accident is urged to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.police.uk quoting reference RY/YP/103/24.

Motorists with dashcam are also asked to check for relevant footage. This can be uploaded through the police online portal by clicking here.

A full inquest was adjourned to be heard on April 9.