The Health and Safety Executive is investigating the death of a lorry driver killed in a workplace accident in Salford, an inquest heard. George Tracey, 57, from Donegal in Ireland, died in Irlam on November 23 last year.
A pre-inquest review at Bolton Coroners Court on Tuesday heard the HSE was now leading the investigation into Mr Tracey's death following the conclusion of police enquiries. Timothy Brennand, senior coroner for Manchester West, told the inquest: "Following the police enquiry further investigation by the Health and Safety Executive needs to be conducted.
"As of April 27 the HSE acquired preliminary reports, all are being assimilated prior to a HSE investigation."
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Mr Brennand added that because this was a 'potentially complex' case involving three companies there was a doubt as to whether the case would be heard within the usual time limit of 12 months from the death. The coroner asked the HSE to provide an update on the investigation at another hearing scheduled for November 11.
Mr Tracey, from the west Donegal village of Crolly, was killed around 9pm on November 23 as he was unloading stone from a lorry he had driven to Manchester, the Irish Mirror reported at the time. It was reported he had worked for the haulage company for around four years.
He was survived by his partner Sheila Duffy, his children, as well as his mother Kitty and his four brothers and five sisters.
