Warning to drivers after flooded road led to man's death
Dr Eleanor Fitzgerald issued the warning to motorists.
The dangers of aquaplaning - a phenomenon that occurs when a layer of water builds up between a motor vehicle’s tyres and the road – has been highlighted at an inquest into the death of a 42-year-old man during difficult storm conditions on the N17 near Claremorris over two years ago.
Francis James (Jimmy) Rowe, a native of Ballymahon, Longford, who had been living at Kilcloghans, Tuam, Co Galway, was the sole occupant of a car that skidded off the road at Lisduff, Claremorris on Sunday, January 21, 2024. The fatal accident occurred at the height of what was named by meteorologists as Storm Isha.
An inquest into Mr Rowe’s death was finalised by Mayo coroner Dr Eleanor Fitzgerald at Ballina Courthouse last Wednesday, having been opened and adjourned on a previous occasion by her predecessor Pat O’Connor. At the resumed hearing, evidence was given that Mr Rowe sustained fatal injuries when his car left the road, struck a concrete pole and ended up badly damaged in a field.
Weather conditions at the time were described by investigating garda Ian Coyne as “horrific”.
The hard shoulder at the accident location was “completely flooded”, Garda Coyne testified.
Gda Sgt Noel Crinnegan outlined details of a Met Eireann weather report for January 21, 2024, which outlined that 35mm of rain fell between 3.30 and 4.30 that afternoon.
Garda PSV Inspector Sgt John Horkan said Mr Rowe’s car likely aquaplaned on water due to the tyres being unable to grip.
Gda Sgt Gabriel McLoughlin, who examined the crash vehicle, said the car tyres were excellent and the tyre pressures were correct.
Sgt McLoughlin explained that on a dark, wet night it would be difficult for a motorist to see what was in front of them.
The medical cause of death was outlined to the inquest as severe thoracic injury sustained in a road traffic accident.
Coroner Fitzgerald commented that not all motorists might be aware of aquaplaning issues.
Weather conditions played a role in what had been a freak accident, she continued.
Returning a verdict of accidental death, the coroner added a rider – she urged extreme caution to motorists during bad weather conditions, to slow down, even avoid driving altogether.
Caroline Rowe, a sister of the deceased, spoke on behalf of the Rowe family, thanking all who assisted on the night of the tragedy.
Ms Rowe noted that at the initial inquest the then coroner, Pat O’Connor, had commented that today’s roads were not fit for modern traffic and had called for a comprehensive safety review of primary road routes.
However, she continued, nothing had been done since then.
Ms Rowe said the family continue to mourn her brother's tragic death, adding: “Jimmy is more than a statistic to us. He was a loving son, father, brother, partner, a friend and a very hardworking man."
- Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.
