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Investigation and inquest
On 30th May 2012 I commenced an investigation into the death of Kuldeep Singh Dhillon then aged 57. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on the 20th September 2013. The conclusion of the inquest was accidental death and the medical cause of death being extensive full thickness burns.
Circumstances of the death
1. Essex Police were performing a rolling road block to clear debris off the M25 on the 25th May 2012.
2. Vehicles had slowed and stopped.
3. The deceased was driving a lorry when he (as confirmed by CCTV footage) collided into a stationery vehicle.
4. He was trapped in his vehicle when the vehicle exploded following the impact, enguling his cab in fire.
5. He was confirmed dead at the scene.
Coroner’s concerns
1. Evidence was given at the inquest that the load which the deceased was carrying was sitting on the vehicle’s load bed without any restraint at all.
2. This, according to the evidence given, was ‘common practice nationwide with palletised loads’. You note that this evidence was given by a senior engineer from the Engineering Safety Unit of the Health and Safety Laboratory.
3. This type of lack of restraint not only puts a driver at risk whilst driving but also at risk during loading and unloading.
4. Evidence was given at the inquest by the senior engineer that similar evidence has been given be her at inquests nationwide over a number of years without any apparent change in industry practice.
5. Evidence was given at the inquest that it is the Department of Transport that is responsible for enforcing and auditing compliance with the pieces of legislation (supported by specific guidance and codes of practice) that govern the loading and transport of goods by road in the UK.
6. Evidence was given that there, clearly, is insufficient enforcing and auditing of the guidance and codes of practice.
Information checked against the published report and official responses