Investigation and inquest
On 29th March 2016 I commenced an investigation into the death of Jonathan Edward Michael Sellman (aged 22). The investigation has not yet concluded and the inquest has not yet been heard. The investigation was transferred to me from the Rotherham/Doncaster Coroner’s jurisdiction.
Circumstances of the death
On the morning of the 28th March 2016 Mr Sellman left Sheffield on the A630 Sheffield Parkway towards junction 33 of the M1 motorway. Whilst there are no known witnesses to the event, examination of the scene etc., has suggested that the vehicle lost control to the nearside of the carriageway, going onto the Armco barrier and colliding with a lamp post immediately prior to the old railway sidings bridge. The vehicle then tumbled down the embankment. The incident caused fatal injuries to Mr Sellman.
No other vehicles are thought to have been involved. This is, of course, a straight piece of road with the national speed limit. Subject to investigation in greater deal at the inquest, it appears on a preliminary basis that Mr Sellman lost control because of standing water on the carriageway.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) Water appears to be pooling on the carriageway of this fast and busy road, notwithstanding that the Local Authority consider the drainage to have been broadly operative at the relevant time.
(2) The state of the verges is such that a car might be pushed upwards on leaving the road out of control, landing on or over the Armco barrier.