Investigation and inquest
On 1st February 2016 I commenced an investigation into the death of Yogalakshmi Sinnaiah, aged 58. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 7th July 2016. The conclusion of the inquest was:
1. Medical Cause of Death: Multiple injuries.
2. Circumstances of Death: At about 13.55 hours on 26th January 2016, Yogalakshmi Sinnaiah was struck by a lorry whilst crossing Dragon Street in Petersfield. She sustained injuries that were instantly fatal.
3. Coroner’s Conclusion as to Death: Death due to an Accident.
Circumstances of the death
See 3 above.
Coroner’s concerns
1. Whilst the mirrors fitted to the nearside of the lorry involved in the collision with Ms Sinnaiah met with all present construction and use requirements, they left a significant blind spot on the nearside of the vehicle and it is most likely that Ms Sinnaiah was in that blind spot when the lorry started to move after the lights changed in its favour on the pedestrian crossing.
2. I was told in evidence that the nearside cab window of the lorry had been fitted with a passenger side safety side lens, (e.g. a Fresnel Lens) this blind spot would have been reduced and the driver might have seen Ms Sinnaiah before the lorry started to move.
3. It occurs to me that if passenger side safety lenses were mandatory for heavy goods vehicles, it would make a significant contribution to reducing the risk of further fatalities in circumstances similar to Ms Sinnaiah’s death.