A coroner has recorded a conclusion of accidental death following the tragic death of a 27-year-old mechanic, Tom Williams, who was crushed by a car at a garage in Bury, Greater Manchester.
The heartbreaking incident, which occurred on July 10, 2023, has left a young family without a father and raised serious questions about workplace safety protocols.
A Life Cut Short: The Harrowing Incident
Tom Williams, a devoted father to two young children, was working underneath a black Peugeot 207 at the Auto Repairs UK garage when the vehicle, which was raised on a trolley jack, catastrophically collapsed onto his chest.
Emergency services rushed to the scene on Wellington Street, but despite their best efforts, Mr. Williams was pronounced dead. A subsequent investigation revealed the trolley jack was not an appropriate device for supporting a vehicle during maintenance work, a basic health and safety requirement.
A Family's Unimaginable Grief
The inquest at Rochdale Coroner's Court heard emotional tributes to a loving son and partner. His mother, Julie Williams, described him as a "kind, hard-working young man who lived for his family."
His partner, Chloe Roberts, provided a statement saying, "Our world has been shattered. He was our everything and the best dad to our two babies. We are completely lost without him." The family's grief underscores the profound human cost of the accident.
Health and Safety Failings Exposed
The official investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlighted a critical failure. A trolley jack is designed for lifting, not for supporting a vehicle, which requires the use of axle stands.
Senior coroner Joanne Kearsley concluded that Mr. Williams's death was a tragic accident, but emphasised the clear breach of established safety practices. This case serves as a devastating reminder to all automotive businesses of the non-negotiable importance of using correct equipment.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community and the wider automotive repair industry, prompting calls for renewed vigilance on workshop safety standards across the UK.
