Tipper truck driver died from electric shock after his truck's grab arm touched a power line in Wales

Circumstances of the death

A coroner's court in Ruthin examined the circumstances of the death of 56-year-old Andy Lloyd, the owner of a family business, who was delivering crushed stone on 1 May to Tan y Dderwen farm in Betws-yn-Rhos (Conwy). According to BBC News, as he approached the site where contractors were building a barn, the grab arm of his tipper truck came into contact with an 11,000-volt overhead power line. Lloyd climbed down from the cab and was electrocuted when he touched a metal step; he died at the scene — less than a month before his scheduled wedding.

Eyewitness accounts

His 14-year-old son was in the cab with his father that day, riding along with him to gain work experience; his name is not being disclosed for legal reasons. The teenager said he tried to warn his father, but he had already left the cab. The contractors, who witnessed the incident, saw flames coming from the truck's rear tyres and from Lloyd's boots, after which he fell. One of the men noticed the teenager in the vehicle and helped him get out safely, another performed CPR on Lloyd, and a third called an ambulance. Scottish Power engineer Devon Locke, sent to the area after the line's protection tripped, found emergency service vehicles at the farm and the truck still in contact with the wires; although the power had been cut off, the line was de-energised again for safety.

Court conclusion

Senior coroner for North Wales East and Central John Gittins concluded that Lloyd died as a result of an accident and expressed his condolences to the family. In a statement, his partner Hayley Lloyd said that his 'final minutes were spent in the truck beside his son' and that he 'quietly but firmly cared for those around him'.

Image source, Family handout