Wall Collapse Kills Grandmother While Hanging Laundry
Clarice Berry, a 77-year-old grandmother, died after the gable end of her semi-detached house in Shevington, Wigan, collapsed on top of her while she was hanging out washing on July 18, 2021. The inquest at Bolton Coroner's Court on June 29, 2026, heard that the wall had been a 'timebomb' due to long-standing structural defects.
Neighbours' Desperate Rescue Attempts
Neighbours and passers-by heard a noise like a bomb exploding and rushed to help. They found Mrs Berry buried under 10 feet of rubble. They forced open the lean-to doors and pulled away bricks with their bare hands until firefighters arrived. She was freed and taken to Wigan Infirmary but died from chest injuries.
Coroner Condemns Landlord's Inaction
Coroner Briona Hartley described the death as 'senseless' and a 'tragedy'. She stated that any competent building inspector or landlord with common sense could have prevented the collapse. The wall had been visibly bulging for years due to wall tie failure, and Mrs Berry's husband, Arthur, had repeatedly raised concerns to landlord Schlomo Klein. Despite this, no structural survey or remedial work was carried out.
Health and Safety Investigation Findings
Health and Safety Executive inspector George Smart testified that the wall's structural defect was long-standing and progressively worsened. The coroner concluded that had steps been taken to investigate the defect, the collapse would have been prevented. She filed a report under Regulation 28 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013 regarding SandG Properties Ltd and property manager KMPM.
Family's Response
Daughter Amanda Berry-Smith said: 'While nothing can bring our mum back or change what happened, we feel the conclusion is appropriate and reflects the evidence heard. This has been a devastating loss for our family, and we would not wish such trauma on anyone else.' She welcomed the intention to issue a report to prevent future deaths.
