Car ‘veered’ off road and crashed into work ditch, killing engineer Coroner opens inquest into tragedy as inquiries go on
AROADWORKER was killed after a car ‘veered’ off the road and into a ditch where he was working, a coroners’ court has heard.
Martin Andrew Parker, from Tameside, died after a crash on Featherstall Road, Littleborough, earlier this month.
The 39-year-old, from Denton, suffered fatal injuries in the collision, Rochdale Coroners’ Court heard on Wednesday.
At a brief inquest opening, with no members of the public in attendance, details were given about the tragic collision on Sunday, October 17.
Tracey Bunn, police coroners officer at Greater Manchester Police, told the court: “Martin was working with electricity cables in a ditch in the carriageway on Featherstall Road when a vehicle has veered through the barriers into the hole, causing him fatal injuries.
“Investigations are still ongoing by GMP.”
Mrs Bunn added that Mr Parker was identified to officers by one of his colleagues. An initial cause of Mr Parker’s death was given by GMP as chest, abdominal and pelvic injuries.
Matthew Cox, assistant coroner for Greater Manchester north, adjourned the inquest to wait for the police accident report.
A date for the final hearing is to be confirmed, but a review hearing will take place on February 14 next year.
Two of Mr Parker’s colleagues at Electricity North West told the Observer last week that he was a ‘friend in and out of work’.
“There’s not a bad word to say about him,” said Gareth Williams, who knew Mr Parker for around 15 years.
“He was a devoted father and husband, a stand-up guy.
“He would do anything for anyone and nothing would ever get him down.
“He was just the salt of the earth.” Jack Shaw, who worked with Martin for about four years, added: “He was genuine, kind and the most selfless person.
“He was always positive, always happy. I can’t think of any time when he wasn’t in a good mood, no matter what was going on.
“He was just Martin.” The Chapel House pub in Stockport Road, Denton, is holding two Halloween events as fundraisers for Mr Parker’s family this weekend - with one event already sold out.
For more details see the pub’s Facebook page.