The inquest into the deaths of two men who died after a serious crash on the M1 has been adjourned as coroner's report 'has gone into ether'. Senior coroner Mairin Casey has apologised to the witnesses who logged via link to hear the conclusion of the inquest on Friday evening, December 16.
She explained that, due to IT issues, her written judgement of the inquest which was held over two days 'has gone into ether'. "I am really disappointed. I am so sorry", she added.
The coroner was due to deliver her findings on Friday, after hearing evidence from witnesses surrounding the deaths of two drivers. Andrew Steer and Harris Gondwe, 38, both died in the crash on January 20 this year. The fatal crash closed the southbound carriageway for most of the day between junction 26 for the A610 (Nottingham / Eastwood) and junction 25 for the A52 Brian Clough Way (Nottingham / Derby).
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In a previous hearing, the grieving wife of one of the drivers, Wendy Steer, said she wants answers to her questions. She attended both hearings held on December 7 and on December 8 alongside other members of their family and a liaison officer.
The section of the motorway where this incident occured did have a hard shoulder, the court heard. Work was being carried out by the National Highways between junctions 25 and 26 at the time of the incident.
PC Stephen Farrell, a forensic investigation officer, gave his account of the incident, telling the court Mr Gondwe collided with Mr Steer's vehicle 'four and a half' seconds after the first collision. He described the incident as 'unusual'.
Witnesses logged in via link to hear the coroner's judgement of the inquest on Friday, December 16. But senior coroner Mairin Casey has explained the situation, adding that the case is 'too important for me' to give a shorter version of her conclusion.
She said that work will be done to try and recover the initial report. Alternatively, she said she will present a 'very similar' version after the weekend.
"In 12 years this the first time this has happened to me", the coroner continued. The hearing has been adjourned and will be resumed for conclusion on Monday, December 19 at 4pm.
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