Man died in Mayo crash during 'extreme' weather conditions
The inquest heard that the crash occurred on the N17 near Claremorris.
An inquest has been opened into the death of a Galway man who was killed in a single-vehicle collision near Claremorris.
Francis James Rowe, aged 42, of 161 Cloghran, Kilcloghans, Tuam, Co Galway, died following the incident on the N17 on January 21 last.
Gda Ian Coyne told the inquest at Swinford Courthouse that he was called to the scene at 6.50pm and observed a damaged vehicle facing in the direction of Ballindine. There was a single occupant, Mr Rowe, who had suffered severe injuries.
Gda Coyne said it was dark, the road was wet and weather conditions were "extreme". There was a large amount of debris, such as tree branches, scattered on the road, as well as a lot of water. Storm Isha struck the West of Ireland on the day of the accident.
Consultant pathologist Dr Fedel Bennani told the inquest that the medical cause of death was a severe thoracic injury sustained in a road traffic collision. A blood sample was negative for drugs or alcohol.
Mayo coroner Patrick O’Connor said the section of the N17 Sligo to Galway Road where Mr Rowe had been driving is not fit for modern-day purposes.
“I have called, and continue to call, for a comprehensive review of the county’s primary routes to be carried out by the authorities," said the coroner. "These roads are not fit for today’s purposes having been designed in the 1960s and 1970s, [which were] different times.”
Mr O’Connor extended his sympathies to the family of Mr Rowe and adjourned the inquest until a Garda investigation into the incident is completed.
