Investigation and inquest
On 25-10-13 I commenced an investigation into the death of JANETTE SUTHERLAND (d.o.b. 20-02-62). The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 06-03-14. The conclusion of the inquest was Accidental Death. The medical cause of death being:-
1 (a) Multiple Internal Injuries
(b) Blunt Vehicular Trauma
Circumstances of the death
On 24-10-13 Ms Sutherland was driving her vehicle northbound along the A467 between the Oakdale and Full Moon roundabouts near Risca. Whilst exiting a sweeping left hand bend she suddenly and unexpectedly lost control of her vehicle. Her vehicle left the nearside carriageway and impacted with a concrete headwall located at the head of a drainage channel in the verge. Ms Sutherland as a result sustained fatal injuries. No safety barrier was present on the nearside of the carriageway.
Coroner’s concerns
The presence of the drainage channel and concrete headwall represent a hazard to road users and a safety barrier should be erected to prevent vehicles from leaving the carriageway and impacting with the concrete headwall.