Two women were struck and killed on a motorway hard shoulder after one stopped to help the other, an inquest has heard.

Dr Habiba Hajallie and Lisa Webber died in a horror crash on the M20 in Swanley, which also left a man injured.

An inquest into the tragedy, which opened this morning, was told Dr Hajallie, 35, aquaplaned on the coastbound carriageway and hit the barrier, damaging her vehicle.

Ms Webber saw the incident take place, and pulled over alongside the stricken vehicle, getting out of her car to help Dr Hajallie.

However, the inquest at County Hall in Maidstone heard that a third vehicle then left the carriageway and struck them and their cars.

Dr Hajallie sustained blunt force trauma to her torso, while Ms Webber sustained multiple injuries. Both tragically died at the scene.

A third person, Mark Heap, was injured in the incident after also pulling over to aid Dr Hajallie.

The 55-year-old dad-of-three broke a bone in his back and one of his legs after he was pushed up against the crash barrier in the incident.

"It was a shock," he said. "A group of tree surgeons pulled over to help. They were good lads and doing the best they could in the circumstances.

"It has been eye-opening. You have got to value life. I am still here. In nine to 10 weeks I should be recovered but those girls do not have that."

The inquest into both deaths was opened and immediately suspended due to an ongoing criminal investigation.

Dr Hajallie affectionately known as Bee, was described by her family as a "true NHS hero" who had "selflessly sacrificed" by being away from her family during the pandemic as she worked on the Covid frontline.

The mother-of-one was working at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford when she died.

Dr Hajallie also worked at the ellenor hospice in Gravesend and a spokesman has since paid tribute to their team member.

An online statement read: "With the deepest regret, we share the devastating news of the death of our very own Doctor Habiba Hajallie who was tragically killed in a road traffic accident.

"Our thoughts go out to Habiba Hajallie's family and friends at this devastating time. Dr Bee will be greatly missed by us all."

Ms Webber's father took to social media to thank the team of tree surgeons who helped his daughter at the scene.

He said: "Your guys were involved with assisting first aid and CPR at a road traffic accident on M20 yesterday.

"Our daughter was one of the fatalities. We'd like to meet your guys to thank them and help us be at peace and lay our daughter Lisa Webber to rest."

The collision happened at about 8.20am on the hard shoulder of the coastbound carriageway between junctions 1 for Swanley M25 and junction 2 for Wrotham A20.

It is reported that four vehicles were involved in the incident, including a grey Infiniti Q30 Sport, a black BMW X5, a black VW Golf and a white Iveco Daily van.

Police attended, along with paramedics and fire crews.

Motorists who were travelling in both directions of the M20 are urged to check for any dashcam footage, which may assist the investigation.

Drivers should particularly check footage between 8.15am and 8.20am and can upload dashcam via the online portal, here.

You can also provide information by contacting Kent Police on 01622 798538 and quoting reference SN/COJ/115/22, or by emailing email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk.