An inquest into the tragic deaths of a father and his two daughters who were killed in a horrific motorway pile-up last year has been held.

Michael Akande and his daughters, 16-year-old Mary and Helen, 22, died following the huge crash on the M26 at Kemsing in April 2014.

In March Slovakian lorry driver Juraj Orsula was jailed for six-and-a-half years for causing their deaths and seriously injuring three members of another family in the crash.

Orsula, 46, claimed he was blinded by the sun but after hearing evidence that he failed to slow down, Judge Jeremy Carey said the light was no more than a distraction.

Mary and Helen Akande, both students, died at the scene and 54-year-old French national Mr Akande, a religious speaker, succumbed to his injuries two weeks later.

His wife, who was also travelling in the family's Nissan Terrano, survived.

At an inquest into their deaths, held at Gravesend Old Town Hall today, forensic collision investigator Angela Holmes gave evidence.

She said: "I have considered the reasons why Mr Orsula did not stop in time. Information gathered from a device within his lorry showed he had taken rests before the accident, I have no evidence that fatigue was an issue in this case.

“I have also not been provided with any evidence to show he had any ongoing medical conditions.

"Several devices, including a mobile phone and laptop were found inside the vehicle, however, they were examined and none were in use at the time of the collision.

“There were also no physical obstructions present on the road. In his statement Mr Orsula said he was blinded by the reflection of the sun in one of his side mirrors. The position and angle of the sun at the time would support the reflection as a possibility.

“However, it would be for another expert to say how long it would take for a driver to recover from being blinded by glare.”

Miss Holmes said the driver of another vehicle involved in the crash also reported having to pull down his blind as the sun was shining in his eyes.

"The family are still in grief... It is so difficult and they are still devastated by the events..." - Akande family spokesman

Senior coroner, Roger Hatch, was told other drivers around Mr Orsula decelerated gently and had been stopped for a number of seconds before the collision happened.

Two witnesses, who were travelling on the same stretch of the M26 at the time of the crash, told the court they saw no evidence of Mr Orsula braking - despite a build up of traffic and visible brake lights ahead.

Miss Holmes added: “It is unknown when the glare became an issue but no deceleration can be seen.

"It is not shown he slowed down because of the glare. The vehicle was travelling at 53mph. He failed to respond to traffic until there was insufficient time for him to take action.

“My conclusion is that the cause of this accident lies with the actions of Mr Orsula."

Mr Hatch said: “From the evidence I have heard it is quite clear that the vehicle in question failed to stop and drove into the rear of other vehicles in front causing extensive damage and bringing about the deaths of the three people concerned in this inquest in addition to causing other occupants injury."

Mr Hatch recorded a verdict of death by road traffic collision.

Relatives of Mr Akande and his two daughters did not attend the hearing, but solicitor, Tunde Olaleye, appeared on their behalf.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Olaleye said: “The family are still in grief. It has been very difficult they are trying to cope with the loss of three loved ones as best as they can. It is so difficult they are still devastated by the events."

Married father Orsula also admitted causing serious injuries to John Carroll and his sons, Freddie, six, and Alfie, four.

Mr Carroll and his wife Jessica had been travelling back from Legoland when Orsula's lorry careered into the back of their Mini One.

His skull was fractured, causing a long-term brain injury, while Freddie now needs a wheelchair after being left with a severe brain injury and broken leg and Alfie suffered a fractured thighbone and broken finger.

In total eight people required hospital treatment following the incident, which involved two lorries, two cars and a van.

Orsula was also banned from driving for seven years and will have to take an extended test before his licence can be returned.