Source · Prevention of Future Deaths

Russell Sherwood

Ref: 2017-0192 Date: 13 Jun 2017 Coroner: Philip Spinney Area: South Wales Central Responses identified: 1 / 1 View PDF

The Fire Service departed a dangerous flood scene without closing the road or leaving warning signs, as their protocols and equipment do not permit road closures, relying solely on other authorities.

Date 13 Jun 2017

56-day deadline 11 Aug 2017

Responses identified 1 of 1

Community health care and emergency services related deaths

Coroner's concerns

AI summary

The Fire Service departed a dangerous flood scene without closing the road or leaving warning signs, as their protocols and equipment do not permit road closures, relying solely on other authorities.

View full coroner's concerns

(1) The evidence revealed that having rescued a motorist from flooding, at a time when the flooding continued to pose a risk to life, the Fire Service Unit departed the scene before the Highways authority arrived and without closing the road or leaving any warning signs.

(2) The evidence further revealed that South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Units do not carry equipment to close highways and they only carry enough equipment to make a road safe when dealing with an incident. Furthermore, it was stated in evidence that the Fire Service rely on the Highways authority or the Police to carry out road closures and Fire Service protocols do not permit the closure of roads.

Responses

1 respondent

South Wales Fire and Rescue Services Other

8 Aug 2017 PDF

Action Planned

The recommendations are being considered as part of its overarching response to the Fire Rescue Services (Emergencies)(Wales)(Amendment) Order 2017, with the outcome of the review reported by the Service's Senior Management Team by 31 October 2017. (AI summary)

View full response

Dear Sir INQUEST TOUCHING THE DEATH OF RUSSELL SHERWOOD REGULATION 28 REPORT We write with reference to your abovementioned Regulation 28 Report ("your which has been given all due consideration by the South Wales Fire and Report") Rescue Service ("the Service"). We are pleased to confirm that recommendations for action ("your Recommendations") , as set out at paragraph 6 on page 2 of your Report; are currently being considered by the Service as part of its overarching responsez to the Fire Rescue Services (Emergencies)(Wales)(Amendment) Order 2017 ("the Order"). For your information, the Order creates a new statutory duty for Fire and Rescue Authorities to make provision from April 2017 for responding to flooding and inland water emergencies which present a risk of death, serious injury or serious illness to people_ The Service is in the process of conducting a comprehensive review of its operating procedures, both in response to the Order and as part of the Service's regular assessments of all operational activity. You have our assurance that full and detailed consideration is being given to your Recommendations as of this ongoing review. We anticipate that the outcome of the review will be reported by the Service's Senior Management Team by 31 October 2017. We trust that the above is of assistance to you:

Report sections

Investigation and inquest

On 6 December 2016 I commenced an investigation into the death of Russell Sherwood. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on the 13 June 2017. The conclusion of the inquest was a narrative conclusion as follows:

On 20 November 2016 unusual weather caused flooding on New Inn Road near to the Dipping Bridge, Bridgend. The road posed a danger to road users. The Fire Service attended the location and rescued a motorist. The flooding continued to pose a risk to life. The Fire Service left the scene with the casualty, leaving the road without any warning signs, on the understanding that this would be dealt with by the Highways Authority. After the Fire Service left the scene Mr Sherwood drove along the road and into the flood water which led to his death.

Circumstances of the death

On 23 November 2016 Russell William Sherwood was discovered deceased in his vehicle in the River Ogmore near to New Inn Road, Bridgend. His vehicle had been swept away in flood water.

Action should be taken

(1) Consideration should be given to reviewing procedures related to incident management where there is an ongoing risk to life.

(2) Consideration should be given to reviewing emergency equipment carried by Fire Service Units to enable warning signs to be deployed where Units are at the scene of an incident where there is an ongoing risk to life.

Inquest conclusion

On 20 November 2016 unusual weather caused flooding on New Inn Road near to the Dipping Bridge, Bridgend. The road posed a danger to road users. The Fire Service attended the location and rescued a motorist. The flooding continued to pose a risk to life. The Fire Service left the scene with the casualty, leaving the road without any warning signs, on the understanding that this would be dealt with by the Highways Authority. After the Fire Service left the scene Mr Sherwood drove along the road and into the flood water which led to his death.

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Shared signals

Related inquiry recommendations

Report details

Reference: 2017-0192
Date of report: 13 June 2017
Coroner: Philip Spinney
Coroner area: South Wales Central

Responses identified

Responses identified 1 of 1

All listed responses identified

Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 11 Aug 2017.

Sent to

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service

Source links

Judiciary.uk page → Report PDF →

Data: judiciary.uk under OGL.