A MAN who died after crashing into a tree by the A34 lost control while trying to open a sandwich packet, an inquest heard.

Daryoush Yeganeh-Farhadi, 36, suffered fatal head and neck injuries after his car veered off the A34 northbound about a mile south of the Tothill services, near Burghclere.

A post-mortem examination found the Iranian, of Wentworth Drive in Christchurch, was also over the alcohol limit and a heroin user.

Hampshire Constabulary collision investigator Antony Johnson told the inquest in Alton that Mr Yeganeh-Farhadi’s white BMW veered sharply to the left at 1.45am on May 16 this year.

It is believed the car was travelling at 60mph when it swung on to the verge and hit a tree.

Mr Yeganeh-Farhadi broke his upper spine and was declared dead at the scene.

Mr Johnson said police found an open but uneaten tuna and sweetcorn sandwich bought at Picket Post services in Ringwood 45 minutes earlier.

He said investigating officers believed Mr Yeganeh-Farhadi was trying to open the packet moments before the fatal smash.

He said:“With his left hand on the steering wheel, if the packet suddenly opens it could cause his left hand to drop and the car goes onto the verge.”

The coroner said toxicology tests revealed Mr Yeganeh-Farhadi was 1.26 times over the alcohol driving limit.

Low levels of morphine, and phenobarbitone – a heroin cutting agent – were also detected.

North East Hampshire coroner Andrew Bradley described the case as “interesting for all the wrong reasons”. He said: “He tries to open the package – and anyone who has opened a packet knows how difficult it is.

“I am almost certain that caused the collision with the tree. The combination of drugs, alcohol and the misjudgement in trying to open the sandwich all combine to cause this incident.” He recorded a verdict of accidental death.