An Ipswich mother-of-six died from multiple injuries after a lorry struck her car, forcing it into the back of another HGV, an inquest heard.

Ipswich Star: Mandy Snowling with her husband Shane Picture: SHANE SNOWLINGMandy Snowling with her husband Shane Picture: SHANE SNOWLING (Image: Shane Snowling)

Mandy Snowling, 43, who was described by her children as a “beautiful, wonderful woman”, was driving one of six vehicles involved in a serious A12 collision.

Today, assistant Suffolk coroner Kevin McCarthy opened and adjourned the inquest into her death, which happened on April 20 in the northbound carriageway in Washbrook, near to the Copdock interchange.

“Mrs Snowling was driving a Mazda 6 car, which was struck from the rear by an HGV,” he said.

“This forced the Mazda into the rear of another HGV causing fatal injuries, from which Mrs Snowling died.”

Ipswich Star: Mandy Snowling pictured with her son Jordan Picture: SUPPLIED BY FAMILYMandy Snowling pictured with her son Jordan Picture: SUPPLIED BY FAMILY (Image: Archant)

A post-mortem investigation identified the cause of death as “multiple injuries”.

After his wife’s death, Mrs Snowling’s husband Shane said she “made me the happiest man alive”.

Paying tribute to “the best wife in the world”, Mr Snowling said: “We were best mates, soul mates and totally in love, even after nearly 15 years.

“You were a fantastic mum, step-mum and nanny.

Ipswich Star: Mandy Snowling with her step-son, Cory Picture: SUPPLIED BY THE FAMILYMandy Snowling with her step-son, Cory Picture: SUPPLIED BY THE FAMILY (Image: Supplied by the family)

“There are no words to say how much I miss you and how broken hearted I am.

He added: “I just want you to know that my heart is always going to be yours and I will love you forever, Mandy.”

Mrs Snowling also left children Georgina, then aged 22, Jordan, 18 and Louise, 13; step-children Cory, 22, Ryan, 20 and Ellece, 14, and grandchildren Ruben, Lily May and Noah.

Her children and step-children paid tribute to the “beautiful, wonderful woman” she was.

They said: “Losing you so early has left a big hole in our hearts. You were taken way too soon.”

The collision involved Mrs Snowling’s red Mazda 6, a black Vauxhall Zafira, a black Toyota Hilux and a blue BMW 320, as well as two Volvo HGV lorries.

A man and woman in the Zafira sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment but later discharged.

The road was closed for around 12 hours while investigations were carried out.

Suffolk Constabulary confirmed the investigation is ongoing and drivers will be formally interviewed, after which a decision will be made on whether there are offences to prosecute.

The inquest reopens in October.