Russell William Sherwood · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 6 December 2016 I commenced an investigation into the death of Russell Sherwood. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on the 13 June 2017. The conclusion of the inquest was a narrative conclusion as follows:

On 20 November 2016 unusual weather caused flooding on New Inn Road near to the Dipping Bridge, Bridgend. The road posed a danger to road users. The Fire Service attended the location and rescued a motorist. The flooding continued to pose a risk to life. The Fire Service left the scene with the casualty, leaving the road without any warning signs, on the understanding that this would be dealt with by the Highways Authority. After the Fire Service left the scene Mr Sherwood drove along the road and into the flood water which led to his death.

On 23 November 2016 Russell William Sherwood was discovered deceased in his vehicle in the River Ogmore near to New Inn Road, Bridgend. His vehicle had been swept away in flood water.

(1) The evidence revealed that having rescued a motorist from flooding, at a time when the flooding continued to pose a risk to life, the Fire Service Unit departed the scene before the Highways authority arrived and without closing the road or leaving any warning signs.

(2) The evidence further revealed that South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Units do not carry equipment to close highways and they only carry enough equipment to make a road safe when dealing with an incident. Furthermore, it was stated in evidence that the Fire Service rely on the Highways authority or the Police to carry out road closures and Fire Service protocols do not permit the closure of roads.