Death of Rochdale Lorry Driver Ruled an Accident

An inquest into the death of William Ernest Barker, from Rochdale, ruled his death an accident and revealed a number of factors were responsible for his death.

William Ernest Barker, 68, from Milnrow in Rochdale, died on 27th May, 2014 after being crushed to death by a car park barrier that came loose and entered his cab. Mr Barker, who was delivering goods to an Argos in Oswestry town centre in Shropshire, died of crush injuries and traumatic asphyxia after the wing mirror of his lorry came into contact with the defective barrier.

Constable Ian Edwards, a collision investigator for West Mercia Police, said:

"It's very unique.

"I deal with 80 to 90 incidents a year and I haven't dealt with an incident similar to this in 15 years."

The car park barrier was identified in the risk assessment plan for the site, added Constable Edwards, which was prepared for Mr Barker by his employer Wincanton PLC, the British logistics company. He also mentioned that the vehicle was travelling at a speed of no more than 3mph at the time of the incident.

Rodney Paragreen, a delivery driver unloading at a nearby Marks and Spencer, tried to rescue Mr Barker from the lorry. He said:

"He seemed to be in considerable pain.

"It was obvious the driver was pinned in under a great deal of force and no matter what I did I couldn't release the seat or steering wheel to release him."

If you have been involved in an accident and sustained injuries, contact our personal injury solicitors on 0800 810 1010 for advice.

Whitestone's

Personal Injury Solicitors, Rochdale