Gurkirat Singh · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 17 December 2024, I commenced an investigation into the death of the child, Gurkirat Singh, born on the 7 March 2020, who died on the 6 December 2024. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 12 November 2025.

The inquest was heard before me and the conclusion at inquest was Road Traffic Collision.

The medical cause of Gurkirat’s death was recorded as:

1a Extensive Intracranial & Thoracic Injuries
1b Collision with a Bus

1. A fatal road traffic collision occurred on the north-east bound lane of High Street, Tipton, West Midlands. At the time of the collision, it was dark with street lighting in the vicinity of the collision which was illuminated.

2. It was a cold winter evening, and the road surface was damp but in good overall condition. Gurkirat was in the company of his mother, and two sisters aged 5 and 2.

3. The collision involved a single decker bus that struck Gurkirat causing him fatal injuries. Gurkirat was pronounced deceased at the scene by ████████ at 17:30 hours.

4. The collision occurred on the north-east bound lane of High Street, Tipton which is designated the B4517. This is approximately 50 metres from a roundabout junction with Park Lane West and Sedgley Road West.

5. At the collision location, the road is a single carriageway with a lane in each direction. However, there are no lane lines painted upon the road surface on the section of High Street where the collision occurred. The edges of the road are lined with footpaths on both sides that lead to a mixture of both commercial and residential properties. Parked vehicles were located on both sides of the road however there was room for vehicles to pass on the main carriageway side. The speed limit at the location is 30mph.

6. The bus driver described it was dark and doesn’t recall seeing anyone on the footpaths. He described seeing a flash across the road from my right to left literally right in front of the bus. There was then a bang at the front of the bus followed by his front right wheel jumping up as if it had gone over something. It was very quick between the two happening (less than a second) and he applied his brakes rapidly. Sadly, he had collided with Gurkirat who ran out from the path.

7. There were no bus defects found when the bus was later examined by the Police.

1. During the course of the inquest, I heard evidence from the Police Collision investigator and the bus driver.

2. My concern is that in the last five years there have been six incidents including this fatality on this stretch of road and within half a mile approaching the roundabout. Evidence at the inquest emerged indicating there are no pedestrian crossings on this stretch of the High Street and visibility to drivers is obscured due to vehicles parked on either side.

3. In addition, there are no central road markings with poor street lighting resulting in the building line creating shadows on the footpath, which all add to the lack of visibility for drivers.

4. Given the number of incidents, you may wish to consider reviewing the road layout including street lighting.