Mine-shift death probe will look for answers

A NEW inquiry into the death of a woman who fell down a mine shaft will consider whether lessons have been learned since the tragedy.

Allison Hume was trapped for more than eight hours down the shaft at Barrwood Gate in Galston, Ayrshire, before she was lifted out

The 44-year-old had suffered “survivable” injuries but developed hypothermia, had a heart attack and died in hospital in July 2008, a fatal accident inquiry by Sheriff Desmond Leslie has already found.

Earlier this month, First Minister Alex Salmond announced that HM Chief Fire Inspectorate would be asked to look into the operational procedures of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue.

Steven Torrie, Chief Inspector of Fire and Rescue Authorities, will carry out the fresh inquiry, which will look at whether appropriate steps have been taken to minimise the chance of such a tragedy from happening again. Sheriff Leslie highlighted several “defects” in the systems of working, which contributed to Mrs Hume’s death.

He noted that rank-and-file firefighters at the scene had been anxious to rescue her as quickly as possible but were prevented from doing so by superiors at Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service, who showed “rigid compliance” with official procedures.

The new inquiry will consider whether the policies, procedures and practices now in place in Strathclyde Fire and Rescue adequately address the issues raised in Sheriff Leslie’s report.

It will also consider whether the sheriff’s findings have implications for fire and rescue services across Scotland as a whole, including an assessment of whether lessons have been learned from the case.

In addition, the inquiry will consider whether any actions should be recommended to the current eight fire and rescue services in Scotland, and the proposed new single fire service.

The new inquiry is due to report its findings to ministers by the end of March next year.