Fatal accident inquiry into death of man hit by city tram

A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) is to be held into the death of a 53-year-old man who was hit by a tram in Edinburgh nearly six years ago.

Bus driver Carlos Hernan Correa Palacio died after he was struck by a tram as he walked across the Saughton Mains crossing on his way home from work on September 11, 2018.

Last year Edinburgh Trams Ltd (ETL) admitted breaching health and safety legislation and was fined £240,000. Prosecutors said there were no issues with the tram driver, and the vehicle worked as it should do.

Now the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has announced it is initiating an FAI, with a preliminary hearing set for May 31 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

In a statement, the COPFS said: “This Inquiry will explore the circumstances of Mr Correa’s death, with an anticipated focus on the process of risk assessment and safety management at ETL, in addition to issues surrounding pedestrian safety at non-motorised user crossings and an assessment of the audibility of warning systems fitted to ETL trams. The inquiry is also expected to consider the structure for oversight and information sharing within the tram sector, including among regulators, operators, and other interested parties.”

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: “The tragic death of Carlos Correa occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern and as such a discretionary FAI will be held. Mr Correa’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments [in court].”