A 65-year-old HGV driver has tragically died after a runaway tractor rolled Overover him when its handbrake failed, an inquest has revealed.

Rescue Attempt Turns Fatal on Narrow Country Lane

Richard Ellis was trying to collect an electricity generator in his pickup and trailer along a tight Lanelane in Stopham, england/south-east/west-sussex/”>england/south-east/west-sussex/”>West Sussex, when his vehicle got stuck in a ditch on an incline. Unable to reverse out, a farm worker came to help by towing the pickup free with a tractor.

Disaster struck after the tractor’s handbrake failed once the towing strap was detached. The tractor rolled Downhilldownhill, pinning both men underneath.

The farm worker escaped with minor injuries. Sadly, Mr Ellis died instantly from severe chest injuries in October 2023.

Coroner Sounds Alarm Over Tractor Safety and Maintenance

At the inquest, Coroner Joanne Andrews revealed the tractor hadn’t been serviced for two years, with its last check in 2021 showing no brake issues. However, after the crash, inspectors found the handbrake pawl was badly worn and likely slipped before, causing the fatal failure.

“It was not a legal requirement for prescribed maintenance or servicing of tractors solely used for agricultural, horticultural or forestry operations,” said Ms Andrews. “Their upkeep depends entirely on owners’ discretion.”

Ms Andrews ruled the death an accident but issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report to the Department for Transport. She warned that without tighter legal controls on tractor maintenance, Moremore lives could be lost. The department must respond by November 22.

Calls for Urgent Review of Agricultural Vehicle Safety

This tragic case exposes a dangerous loophole in UK agricultural machinery safety checks. Campaigners and officials are now pushing for stricter regulations to stop further tragedies on rural roads.