Concerns over aqueduct railings
Safety levels at two aqueducts on the Shropshire/Welsh border will come under the microscope at an inquest early next year.
Kristopher McDowell, 18, fell to his death from the 120-feet-high Pontcysyllte aqueduct in May, 2016, as he was walking home with a friend in the early hours of the morning.
Coroner, Mr John Gittins, has now ordered checks on both that aqueduct and the one at Chirk that crosses the River Ceiriog. He said at a pre hearing on Monday that he wanted to be ensured that every single upright on the railings had been tested.
An inquest was due to take place earlier this year but it was adjourned at the request of the teenager’s family, whose solicitor called for an independent report on the condition of the metal railings which run alongside the footpath across the aqueduct.
It is understood that Kristopher, of Coronation Street, Cefn Mawr, Wrexham, fell after one of the metal uprights he was holding onto gave way.
No evidence about the circumstances were given at the first pre-hearing or at a second hearing in Ruthin at which arrangements for the full inquest were made.
The independent report has been received but John Gittins, coroner for North Wales East and Central, said he would not make assumptions that all safety measures and checks that he was being told about had actually been done.
“Given the number of visitors who attend this site I have to be incredibly diligent and cautious to ensure I have done everything I can to examine the circumstances leading to Mr McDowell’s death,” he said.
The investigation will cover not only the Froncysyllte aqueduct but also the nearby Chirk aqueduct, which is also within the World Heritage Site and which is also under the authority of the Canal and River Trust.
Mr Gittins told representatives of the Trust that he would remain concerned until he was assured that every single upright in the railing had been tested.
He will also consider whether the gaps between the uprights pose a risk.
Barrister Ian Wright, representing the Trust, said the independent report supported the Trust’s maintenance and safety measures.
The full inquest will take place in March and is expected to last two days. It will be held before a jury.
Mr McDowell , who had finished working a shift at the nearby McDonald’s restaurant shortly before he died, also worked as a volunteer and lifeguard at the Splash Magic centre in Acrefair.
