Source · Prevention of Future Deaths
Charles Pitcher
Ref: 2016-0336
Date: 19 Sep 2016
Coroner: Ian Arrow
Area: Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon
Responses identified: 0 / 3
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The bridge barrier is too easy to bypass, leading to multiple suicides, and current safety measures are inadequate compared to other significant bridges.
Date
19 Sep 2016
56-day deadline
15 Nov 2016
Responses identified
0 of 3
Coroner's concerns
The bridge barrier is too easy to bypass, leading to multiple suicides, and current safety measures are inadequate compared to other significant bridges.
View full coroner's concerns
_ At the Inquest received information from Detective Constablel who informed me there have been 11 persons who had jumped from the bridge in the last 10 years: He formed the view that it was all too easy t0 jump the barrier He also made the observation there was a risk to personsin Wolseley Road arising from people crossing the walkway barrier at that point. He made the observation that on other significant bridges and he gave as an example the Humber Bridge, the operators have established precautions and set up appropriate notices would ask you please t0 review the procedures and measures you have in place to reduce the likelihood of a suicide being_ completed from the Tamar Bridge; Derriford Park; Derriford Business Park; Plymouth, PL6 5QZ Tel 01752 204636 Fax
Report sections
Investigation and inquest
On 08/07/2016 commenced an investigation into the death of Charles Edward Pitcher; 18. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 19 September 2016. The conclusion of the inquest was INTENTIONALLY TOOK HIS OWN LIFE On 5 July 2016 the deceased jumped over the walking barrier of the Tamar Bridge and landed in Wolseley Road, Plymouth. He suffered fatal injuries. Multiple Traumatic Injuries consistent with a fall from height
Circumstances of the death
On 5 July 2016, the deceased jumped over the walkway barrier of the Tamar Bridge and landed in Wolseley Road, Plymouth He suffered fatal injuries. found the deceased intentionally took his own life__.
Action should be taken
In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and believe you The Highways Departments of both Cornwall and Devon together with the Tamar Bridge Joint Committee, have the power to take such action and review the operation of the Tamar Bridge so as to minimise the risk of suicides completed from the Bridge
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Report details
- Reference
- 2016-0336
- Date of report
- 19 September 2016
- Coroner
- Ian Arrow
- Coroner area
- Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon
Responses identified
Responses identified
0 of 3
3 responses not yet linked
Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 15 Nov 2016.
Sent to
- Cornwall County Council
- Devon County Council
- Tamar Bridge & Torpoint Ferry joint Committee