The death of a car enthusiast who was crushed under his vehicle should serve as a warning to all motorists, an inquest heard on Tuesday.

Father-of-one Steven Spen-cer was repairing his car outside his friend's house in Keighley last month when the tragedy happened.

Recording a misadventure verdict, coroner Roger Whittaker said the incident was a lesson to motorists who should under no circumstances venture under cars without them being propped UP. He added: "I hope this case may act as a warning for others who attempt to do this sort of work with their vehicles."

Mr Spencer was found pinned under the Citroen car by his brother who desperately tried to lift the vehicle.

Emergency services arrived at the scene in Braithwaite Crescent and lifted the car, freeing Mr Spencer.

Despite efforts to revive him Mr Spencer did not appear to be breathing and he was rushed unconscious to Airedale Hospital. He was dead on arrival.

A post-mortem showed that 37-year-old Mr Spencer, of Low Street, Keighley, died from traumatic asphyxia and contusions due to a severe crush injury to the chest.

Mark Spencer said in a statement to the hearing that his brother, who was well respected for his voluntary work, had shown an interest in repairing cars. He said Steven had taken his car for an MOT test a week before his death, but it did not pass so he intended carrying out repairs.

On the day of the tragedy Steven was planning to do some work on the brake pipes and had arranged to meet his brother.

Mark at first could not find Steven but then he discovered him under the car.

He said: "I desperately tried to raise the car and looked for help at nearby houses but I could not find anything to raise the car. I just felt so helpless to do anything for him."

The inquest was told that the car's hydraulic system acted as a jack, allowing Steven to crawl underneath, but when he removed the suspension pipe the car lost pressure suddenly and collapsed on him.

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