A hearing was yesterday opened and adjourned into the deaths of 89-year-old Derek Stanley Brown, his wife Joyce - known as Joy - aged 81, Kathleen May Garrett, aged 84 and Marie Gordon, aged 81.
All four lived at Gretch Noa in Laxey.
The accident, shortly after 9am on July 24, closed the main road through Laxey village for more than five hours. No other vehicle was involved in the accident, which was attended by police, ambulance crews and the fire service.
Monday’s inquest heard that Mr Brown, a retired Tynwald head messenger, who was driving, died at the scene near Pinfold Hill. Mrs Garrett also died at the scene.
Mrs Brown and Mrs Gordon were pronounced dead at Noble’s Hospital the same day.
Coroner John Needham told the inquest the proceedings would be limited to confirming identities of those who died, the time, place and cause of death. The court heard Mr Brown died from head and chest injuries.
Post mortem examinations of the other victims found Mrs Brown died from chest and spinal injuries, Mrs Garrett from chest injuries and Mrs Gordon from head and chest injuries, all consistent with a car accident.
Mr Needham offered condolences and told families they could make funeral arrangements.
Mr Brown was a messenger of Tynwald for nearly 15 years and retired as the head of the messengers in 2010.
His wife Joy also worked on occasions as a relief messenger in Tynwald.
President of Tynwald Steve Rodan said he had known all four who died in the crash as his neighbours for about 30 years.
He said: ’On behalf of Tynwald I want to express the shock of members at this tragic news. Derek Brown was one of the most well-liked members of our staff. He served as head messenger with great humour. He was a dedicated servant of Tynwald who would always go that extra mile. He was always very smartly turned out and took great pride in his job.
’The whole Laxey community will be in a state of shock and sorrow at the loss of such well-known and well-liked individuals.’
Investigations into the accident are continuing and the inquest will be reconvened at a later date.