"The defect remained in the road and dangerous": Cyclist's death prompts coroner to question water company's 'reliance on third parties to report issues', after crash caused by sunken fire hydrant
While coroner Ms Bissett decided there was insufficient evidence to reach a conclusion on a link between the crash and the stroke , she did suggest the incident and Mr Ingram's previous health issues may have"drained his physical reserves". It was the next day that staff began to have concerns that Mr Ingram's speech was slurred and his condition deteriorated. He was treated in the intensive care unit and tests showed he had suffered a stroke and multiple pulmonary embolisms. He died on August 30, a little over two weeks after the crash.
United Utilities' head of operational services, Andrew Cunliffe, told the inquest there was no defect reported prior to the crash and that the hydrants, of which there are more than 100,000 in the North West, are inspected by the fire brigade and the company is also notified of issues by the county council and the public.
He also confirmed the water company was made aware of the issue the day after the crash, a temporary repair made on September 9. The full repair was due to be made on September 10, however parked cars prevented the team from carrying out the works. Cycling UK's Keir Gallagher said that the tragic incident highlighted the serious threat posed by potholes
Never fast enough to take things on the bike too seriously, when he's not working you'll find him exploring the south of England by two wheels at a leisurely weekend pace, or enjoying his favourite Scottish roads when visiting family. Sometimes he'll even load up the bags and ride up the whole way, he's a bit strange like that.Hmmm. Odd one this. The hydrant cover in the picture doesnt look that bad at all even if you hit it at speed.