Woman driver died in collision on 'a death trap road' in Mayo
The inquest was heard last Friday at Ballina Courthouse.
A 58-year-old employee of Tesco Supermarket in Claremorris lost her life when a motorist rear-ended her Toyota Yaris while she waited to turn right on the N17 at Castlemacgarrett, an inquest has been told.
The inquest into the death of Andrewa Gornowicz, a German national, who lived at The Old Park House, Castlemacgarrett, was conducted in Ballina Courthouse last week by Mayo coroner Dr Eleanor Fitzgerald.
The driver of the vehicle which rear-ended the deceased’s car, sending it spinning into the path of an oncoming vehicle, was Martin Cullinan, a farmer with an address at Kilmicalla, Irishtown.
Mr Cullinan recently pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to causing Ms Gornowicz’s death by driving without due care and attention.
In a statement to gardaí, which was read to last Friday’s inquest, Mr Cullinan, who is aged 69, outlined how he had been returning from Claremorris on the N17 when “without warning I came on a car that appeared to be parked".
The statement continued: “I crashed into the car in the carriageway in front of me. I did not see any brake lights or any indicator. The car was just there.
“I do not know if I braked because it all happened so suddenly. The car that I hit from behind crossed to the other side of the road and hit in turn another vehicle.
“I am very shocked by what happened. I did not intend to harm anybody. I am sorry the lady lost her life. I do take full responsibility for my actions."
An eyewitness, Peter Collins, Corrandulla, Galway, who was the third driver involved in the collision, gave evidence that the driver of the Yaris had indicated to turn right when her vehicle was rear-ended. Mr Collins told the coroner he uses the road regularly as he plays golf in Claremorris two or three times a week. He described the stretch of N17 as “a death trap road”.
Gda Sgt Gabriel McLoughlin, PSV Inspector, said that all three vehicles involved were roadworthy. He explained that massive damage was caused to the rear of the deceased’s car with windows broken and the back axle forced forward.
The inquest was told that death would have been instantaneous. The medical cause of death was given as haemorrhagic shock as a result of thoracic aorta injury due to traumatic chest injuries.
Returning a verdict of accidental death, Dr Fitzgerald said the deceased bore no blame for the collision.
“She was stopped at a junction, indicating to turn right and he (Mr Cullinan) went straight into her. It should not, need not, have happened if due care was taken."
The coroner concluded by suggesting a filter lane is needed at the accident location, or perhaps the closure of minor contributory roads, and this should be brought to the attention of Mayo County Council.
The coroner extended sympathy to the deceased's family and friends.
- Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.
