Labourer, 42, died in power cable tragedy

A LABOURER died after the lorry assisted crane he was operating came into contact with overhead power cables, an inquest heard.

Martin Tilby, of Nantymoel, was working for Access Scaffolding when the incident took place on May 17, 2016.

The driver/labourer had been directed to move some fencing panels from his company’s work yard during the day,

He was asked to take materials to a South Wales field when the incident occurred.

Cardiff Coroner’s Court heard Mr Tilby, 42, unloaded the materials in a different place to where he was asked.

Richard Davies, who also works as a driver/labourer for the company, was with Mr Tilby on the day the tragedy took place.

He explained they parked the lorry underneath a set of power cables, and, although they were aware of their presence, they thought they would be safe.

But a problem arose when they were off-loading the second batch of materials.

Mr Davies said: “I heard a noise like a shout.

“When I looked I saw Martin and there was a flashing of sparks – like an orange colour.

“I ran around and put my arms underneath him and pulled him back.

“I got him away from it (the electricity). I was in a panic.”

Mr Davies then contacted one of his bosses who called emergency services.

A medic got in touch with Mr Davies quickly and told him to perform CPR – he did so until the paramedics arrived.

Emergency services did all they could to save Mr Tilby but he later died at the scene.

Company director Anthony Richards described Mr Tilby as one of his “top” workers.

He told the court: “He was one of my top men.

“Martin and Richard were my two main drivers around the country.”

Mr Richards told the court he asked Mr Tilby to leave the panels in the same place in the field where previous materials had been left.

He said Mr Tilby had been at the site many times and also confirmed that a risk assessment had been carried out in the area.

He wanted them to be placed at an angle so animals in the field wouldn’t “break their feet” on them.

According to his estimations, the lorry was parked about 40 metres away from where the other materials had been left when the incident took place.

The company director said he couldn’t understand why they parked there when Mr Tilby “knew where to go”.

Pathologist Hywel Thomas said burn marks were found on Mr Tilby’s hands and feet – he said this is associated with electrocution.

DC Charmaine Kinson, of South Wales Police, confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Mr Tilby’s death.

The court heard there were no faults found with the vehicle used or with Western Power Distribution, but the final health and safety report surrounding the incident is yet to be concluded.

The inquest continues.