Alexander Thomas

I am Adrian Farrow, HM Assistant Coroner, for the coroner area of Greater Manchester South

On 15 th August 2024 an investigation was commenced into the death of Alexander  Charles Edward Thomas, aged 42. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 13 th January 2025. The conclusion of the inquest was that he died from multiple  injuries consistent with a road traffic collision when he committed suicide.

Mr Thomas died on 14th August 2024 when he entered the eastbound carriageway of the M56 motorway between junctions [REDACTED]. A heavy goods vehicle collided with him when  he  deliberately  stood  in  its  path  and  he  sustained  fatal  injuries.  He  had  a longstanding diagnosis of depressive disorder. The location of the collision was close to where [REDACTED] passes under the M56 motorway and the nearby premises and car parks of the [REDACTED] and the evidence was that Mr Thomas had entered the motorway from the [REDACTED] area.

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken. In the  circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows.  –

1. During  the  inquest,  I  heard  that  [REDACTED]  is  a  pedestrian  walkway  running underneath  the  M56  motorway.  On  the  northern  side  of  the  motorway  (eastbound carriageway side) the entrance to the walkway tunnel is constructed so that the buttress walls form a ramp-like structure which has a shallow gradient topped with a waist-high railing which provides an easily accessible and walkable route from the footpath to the Armco   crash   barrier   bordering   the   hard   shoulder   of   the   eastbound   motorway carriageway.
2. Also leading from [REDACTED] is an established track through undergrowth running west parallel to the motorway. That path leads directly to a fixed bespoke metal ladder which appears to be specifically positioned so as to enable a person to climb up to the Armco crash barrier bordering the hard shoulder of the eastbound carriageway.
3. There is no fencing to prevent access over the Armco crash barrier onto the motorway itself along this stretch of the eastbound carriageway, in contrast to the substantial fencing positioned behind the Armco crash barrier along the opposite stretch of the westbound carriageway.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe your organisation has the power to take such action.