Most EXPOSED bridges in the UK would have been closed to high-sided vehicles if winds were as strong as they had been when a truck was blown off the Foyle Bridge in Derry last year, an inquest has heard. In January 2005 driver Peter McGuinness plunged 30m to his death when his empty artic was blown over the edge of the bridge.
But civil engineer Phil Tindall from Hyder Consulting, which had previously written a report into the accident, told the inquest that the Foyle Bridge was the only one in the UK that did not have restrictions short of closure. The inquest heard that winds were gusting to more than 70mph, but the bridge was only closed if the average speed exceeded 50mph. However, Tindall admitted there was a 20-minute delay in recording wind speed.
Coroner Suzanne Anderson concluded McGuinness suffered multiple injuries, and she described his death as "a tragic accident".