Mother-of-four, 48, was killed and her younger daughter severely injured after automotive hit by van driving on the mistaken aspect of the highway, inquest hears
A ‘kind and generous’ mother-of-four was killed and her daughter seriously injured when a van on the wrong side of the road smashed into their car, an inquest heard.
Donna Ball, 48, was air-lifted to hospital after the head-on crash last week – where she tragically died from her injuries a day later.
Four other people, including Donna’s young daughter, were also taken to hospital with serious injuries after the collision, and the 19-year-old driver of the van was arrested.
The inquest opening heard that Donna was driving her car along the A4119 close to her home in Tonypandy, South Wales on Monday last week.
Coroner’s usher Joanne Martins said: ‘A large Vauxhall Movano box van crossed the centre white line markings and into the path of Donna’s vehicle, hitting Donna’s vehicle head on.
‘Donna was taken to the University Hospital of Wales where she sadly died from her injuries.
‘The deceased was identified by her husband Howard Ball.’
The Pontypridd hearing was told that Donna suffered severe brain injuries in the crash.
Donna Ball, 48, was tragically killed when a van on the wrong side of the road smashed into her car
Ms Ball suffered serious head injuries in the crash
South Wales Area Coroner Patricia Morgan adjourned the inquest pending the outcome of the criminal investigation.
She said: ‘I take the opportunity to express my condolences to her family and friends at this sad time.’
The 19-year-old van driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, as well as two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
In a tribute to his late wife, Donna’s husband Howard said last week: ‘We as a family are devastated by the sudden, tragic, and needless death of our beloved Donna.
‘We would like to take this opportunity to express our profound gratitude to all the emergency services who attended, including the air ambulance, Accident and Emergency, and the critical care teams at the University Hospital of Wales.
‘Ongoing, I cannot express my thanks enough to the staff and doctors of Owl Ward and Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales for their care of our daughter.
‘Donna’s passing has left a huge void that can never be filled. Our old lives have ended; our lives without her begin now.
‘We are overwhelmed by the messages of love and condolence we have received.
Ms Ball has since been described as ‘an incredibly kind and generous person who would go out of her way to help anyone in need’
Five people were taken to hospital after a collision between a car and a van on the A4119 bypass at Williamstown, near Tonypandy in the Rhondda, south Wales, on December 29 2025
‘We take great solace in the high regard in which she was held by so many. Rest easy, my love, until I see you again.’
A fundraising page set up to support the family has raised over £7,700 and describes Donna as ‘an incredibly kind and generous person who would go out of her way to help anyone in need’.
South Wales Police said: ‘We are appealing for witnesses to the collision or anyone with dashcam footage of the incident to come forward.
‘Additionally, any information regarding the driving behaviour of the driver of the van leading up to the collision would be greatly appreciated.’
The driver, who hasn’t been named, has been bailed for further enquiries until March 30.
Anyone with information is urged to get in touch, quoting reference number 2500409628, calling 101 or going online at https://bit.ly/SWPProvideInfo.
An alternative is to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
