Russell Edward Long · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 10/09/2013 I commenced an investigation into the death of Russell Edward Long, Age 37. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 03/04/2014. The conclusion of the inquest was:
1(a) Pulmonary Oedema
1(b) Aspiration
1(c) Driver of a car overturning in a river

Conclusion: Accident

On the 3rd September 2013 the deceased was the driver of a private motor vehicle at night in foggy conditions. The near side wheels went on to the grass verge and the front offside hit a bridge parapet causing the vehicle to overturn and fall into a river.

The deceased was driving east on the B5307 Road approaching the bridge over the River Wampool between Fingland and Kirkbride. His vehicle left the road. The near side parapet of the bridge had been previously damaged some considerable time ago. Grass had overgrown the area, and end stones and coping stones had been dislodged. What remained amounted to a “ramp”. When the deceased’s vehicle hit this, the car became airborne and it overturned. It is entirely foreseeable that if the parapet remains in this condition a similar accident could occur in the future. Action should be considered to repair the parapet and erect a barrier to guide vehicles away from the hazard.