Children see grandad killed as rock hits car on trip after lockdown
A GRANDFATHER died after a rock smashed through his windscreen on a first family day trip after lockdown, an inquest heard.
Steven Oscroft, 60, was driving to go strawberry picking with his wife and two grandchildren when a chunk of masonry from a builder’s truck hit his car.
He was killed instantly while his wife Denise and the children escaped unhurt on July 7 last year.
An inquest heard that a load of building materials was not properly secured on the lorry as it overtook Mr Oscroft. A 64-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but later released without charge.
Mr Oscroft’s heartbroken family criticised the haulage firm and are calling for stricter laws on drivers carrying unsecured loads.
Denise, 60, said: “One minute we’re just taking the grandchildren out strawberry picking and then our lives changed forever. It could have been prevented had there been a decent netting on the tipper.”
Mr Oscroft, of Shirebrook, Derbys, was driving two of his four grandchildren to a strawberry field in Ollerton when he was killed. His daughters Becky Marsh and Kelly Kirby were called to the scene by their mum.
Recalling the day of the tragedy, Becky, 35, said: “She just said ‘he’s gone’.
“But it wasn’t mum, it was like she wasn’t there, she was in shock. I looked at the car and saw a huge hole in it.We’d like to see proper sheeting on all trucks and loads not piled high.”
Denise added: “He was so full of life, just happy all the time. Kind, caring, he loved his family and couldn’t do enough for the grandchildren.We’re on autopilot.”
Notts Coroner’s Court heard Mr Oscroft died after a piece of concrete fell from an uncovered part of a lorry from Paul Wainwright Construction Services.
Training
Asst Coroner Gordon Clow said he will require Wainwrights to supply evidence of action, including improved driver training and working practices.
He will also call for the DVLA to clarify legislation around securing lorry loads.
Det Sgt Adam Cooper, of Notts Police, said: “This is a reminder to all drivers and companies to ensure their loads are fit for the roads.”