Andrew Callis died on A338 near Ringwood after taking cocaine

Andrew Callis, 25, died when the Ford Escort he was driving veered into the path of an oncoming, 12-tonne Wilts & Dorset bus.

An inquest heard his car sustained “colossal damage” and was dragged along under the bus until it stopped on the A338 about four miles north of Ringwood. Mr Callis of Kingfisher Way, Ringwood, died at the scene.

The bus driver was hurled to the floor of his cab and sustained two fractured vertebrae in his back and leg injuries. Two passengers – a 51-year-old man and a 19-yearold woman, both from Ringwood – had minor injuries.

Southampton Coroners’ Court heard Mr Callis had spent the night playing poker with a friend in Verwood until 6am.

Post-mortem tests revealed he had consumed “potentially fatal”

amounts of cocaine mixed with less than five units of alcohol.

Bus driver Mark Williams, 41, who is still recovering from his injuries, said in statement Mr Callis’s car switched lanes seconds before the collision at about 6.45am on September 27 last year.

Police investigator Anthony Johnson said both vehicles were probably travelling at about 40mph – within the speed limit.

However, Mr Johnson said there was no evidence that Mr Callis, who had been travelling southbound, had applied his brakes.

Coroner Keith Wiseman recorded a verdict of accidental death.

He said it seemed unlikely Mr Callis had any “significant sleep for quite a long time.”

“It’s a significant possibility that he fell asleep at the wheel.

It’s something that even without the involvement of drugs we can all do.”

Dad Peter Callis, 54, said his son’s cocaine use came as a shock to the family. “I would urge people to stay away from drugs. Just don’t get involved,” he said.

He described his son as “life-loving”, adding: “We are just all so upset. He is still greatly loved and missed by all his family.”