Man killed while at work under trailer

A MAN suffered severe head injuries while working underneath a trailer when a mechanism in the suspension airbag failed, an inquest has heard.

Fergus Leonard, 36, of Ballyfad, Coolgraney, Co Wexford, was working on a trailer in a 6ft deep lorry pit at his home when the incident occurred on October 24, 2007.

The self-employed mechanic and bus operator was using the suspension airbag on the trailer to elevate it to allow him to work underneath it, an inquest into his death at Dublin City Coroner’s Court heard.

At some point the casting of the suspension airbag failed causing an explosive release of compressed air.

The inquest did not establish exactly how Mr Leonard sustained the injuries. The casting itself may have struck him or he may have been propelled back by the force of the explosion and hit his head against a part or against the concrete floor.

He was found by a friend lying on the floor of the pit in a pool of blood.

He was unconscious and was rushed to St Vincent’s Hospital where he died on October 28.

The cause of his death was severe head injuries caused by blunt force trauma to the head. “This seems to have been a tragic accident under the circumstances,” said the coroner Dr Brian Farrell.