Bridgewater Place inquest halted
THE death of a man who was crushed by a lorry in strong winds near Bridgewater Place in Leeds has been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service.
Coroner Melanie Williamson halted an inquest into the death of Edward Slaney, 35, of Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, on Friday.
The coroner heard of complaints about a “wind tunnel” effect since the 32 storey building – the tallest in Leeds – was constructed.
She said some bodies involved in the building could face corporate manslaughter charges.
It is understood that organisations including Leeds City Council and teams behind the design, development and running of Bridgewater Place could potentially face charges.
Ms Williamson heard evidence that Leeds City Council had received 16 complaints about the “wind tunnel” effect on the street since the building was constructed.
After hearing evidence about the design and construction of the building, Ms Williamson said: “I’m concerned having heard all the evidence there may be an offence of corporate manslaughter by one or more of the organisations.
“I’m obliged to adjourn this inquest pending further inquiries by the Crown Prosecution Service,” she added.
A witness told the inquest the lorry being blown over was like something out of a “twister film”. Mr Slaney died of chest injuries when the lorry fell on to him last March.
A woman also involved in the incident suffered serious internal injuries.
TheBusinessDesk.com has previously reported how pedestrians and people working at and near Bridgewater Place have complained of the high winds near the building, with some witnesses seeing people being blown over.
Daljit Singh, deputy area planning officer at the Council since January 2009, told the inquest that it had taken measures to protect pedestrians by erecting barriers in the area.
