Investigation and inquest
On 11th December 2012 I commenced an investigation into the death of Michael John Telford. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 28th January 2014. The conclusion of the inquest was Cause of Death 1(a) Blunt Chest Trauma.
Conclusion: Accident.
Circumstances of the death
On the 6th December 2012 the deceased was driving his Citroen motor car on the B5302 towards Waverbridge, Cumbria. Due to heavy rain this highway was flooded in places. The driver of a Vauxhall motor car travelling in the opposite direction entered an area of water lying on the road surface, crossed into the carriageway in which the deceased was driving and collided with the deceased’s car.
Coroner’s concerns
Evidence given at the inquest revealed that water spilling onto the B5302 near Wheyrigg Hall on the road to Abbeytown was a regular hazard. The presence of the water resulted in an accident on the 6th December 2012. The position is likely to be exacerbated in freezing weather. The concern is that if this matter is not addressed further accidents may occur. (Plan attached).