A driver was electrocuted when part of his tipper lorry struck an overhead power line in Betws-yn-Rhos, Conwy, an inquest has heard. Andy Lloyd, 56, was delivering a load to a farm with his 14-year-old son, who was gaining work experience, when the grab arm on his truck made contact with 11,000-volt cables.
Lloyd climbed out of the cab and was electrocuted upon touching the metal step of the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene on May 1. Witnesses described seeing flames emanating from the rear tires of the lorry and Lloyd's boots before he collapsed. Another witness helped the teenager exit the lorry safely, while a third performed CPR and called for an ambulance.
A Scottish Power engineer was dispatched to the area after the power supply had been tripped. Upon arriving at the scene and learning of the incident, the engineer observed that the lorry remained in contact with the overhead cables.
Senior coroner John Gittins for North Wales East and Central concluded that Lloyd died as a result of an accident and offered his condolences to his family. Lloyd's partner, Hayley Lloyd, stated in her testimony that his "last moments were spent in his truck with his son beside him."