Death of Blackburn jeweller concluded as road traffic collision

Zahid Amin, 50, was one of two people seriously injured in a crash on Whalley Old Road, Blackburn, on Friday, February 13.

Mr Amin died from his injuries five days later on February 18.

He owned Amin Jewellers, one of the longest-established businesses in the Charlotte Street and Victoria Street area of the town.

An inquest into Mr Amin’s death was held at Preston Coroner’s Court on Friday, where Coroner Kate Bisset returned a conclusion of road traffic collision.

Police were called to the scene after reports that a white Mercedes-Benz C250 travelling towards Lark Hill had left the carriageway, crossed a grass verge, and crashed with a tree.

The road remained closed for several hours while investigations took place. His death was later announced by Madinah Masjid and Raza Masjid.

Neighbours and community leaders described Mr Amin as warm-hearted and endlessly welcoming.

Amna Siddiqui, from the Hijab Centre in Victoria Street, said: "For the last 25 years, we have been neighbours.

"They are such a nice family, and Zahid was the jewel of the family. They are the jewellers, he was the diamond.

"Any time of the day, he would say his salam and give a smile. He was always ready to listen if you had a problem or something.

"We have really missed him since the accident. Not only us, but all our neighbours here.

"He was such a nice person. There are no words."

Former Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen and Councillor Suleman Khonat said the town had lost one of its kindest faces. 

He said: “This is a huge tragedy. Brother Zahid will be missed by everyone.

"He was a person with the most radiant smile, such a lovely man with a wonderful personality, always smiling.

"We have lost a true gentleman who was liked by everyone who knew him. We pray for him and his family for the sad loss.”