By Fatma Younis
A lorry driver was electrocuted after his vehicle's grab arm contacted an 11,000-volt overhead power line at a farm in Conwy, an inquest has heard.
Inquest hears details of fatal incident
Andy Lloyd, 56, from Bod Elian, Llanelian, was delivering hardcore to Tan y Dderwen Farm in Betws-yn-Rhos on 1 May with his 14-year-old son. The grab arm on his tipper lorry struck the overhead cables. Lloyd climbed down from the cab and was electrocuted when he touched the metal step. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Son witnessed tragedy
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had joined his father for work experience. He told the court his dad moved the lorry closer to where contractors were erecting a shed to tip the load when the grab arm hit the power line. The boy tried to warn his father, but Lloyd had already exited the cab.
Contractors describe scene
Witnesses reported seeing flames coming from the lorry's rear tyres and Lloyd's boots before he collapsed. One contractor helped the boy exit the vehicle safely, another performed CPR, and a third called an ambulance.
Power engineer response
Scottish Power engineer Devon Locke was dispatched after the electricity supply tripped. He found the lorry still in contact with the cables running above the field. Although the power had been tripped, plans were made to make the line safe.
Coroner records accidental death
Senior coroner John Gittins for North Wales East and Central concluded that Lloyd died as a result of an accident and offered condolences to his family. Lloyd's partner, Hayley Lloyd, said in a statement that his "last moments were spent in his truck with his son beside him" and that he "cared quietly but fiercely for those around him."
