Cause of lorry driver Gordon Innes' death in A9 crash remains 'unexplained', finds FAI

The cause of a lorry driver’s death in a crash on the A9 remains unexplained, a Fatal Accident Inquiry has heard.

Gordon Innes, 58, died after his vehicle collided with the rear of a lorry carrying logs near Alness last year.

Sheriff Gary Aitken has now concluded that Mr Innes may have been distracted or suffered ill-health “of unknown seriousness” before the crash on April 12, 2022.

The FAI also concluded that “it cannot be determined whether there are precautions which might realistically have resulted in that accident being avoided”.

Witnesses told the inquiry the lorry being driven by Mr Innes, who was employed as a heavy goods driver for McDonald Scaffolding Services Ltd, did not slow down for traffic that was queuing at a temporary red light when the crash occurred.

The inquiry heard how Mr Innes had sustained injuries which were not compatible with life.

Emergency services attended at the scene and he was taken to Raigmore Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The occupants of the other vehicles were checked by ambulance staff at the scene and did not require hospital treatment.

The inquiry heard how a Police Scotland investigation has determined that “The cab was crushed so severely its state was not compatible with life for any person who had been within at the time of the collision.”

The FAI heard that Mr Innes was understood to have been of reasonable health, but had been prescribed a course of medication for high blood pressure shortly before his death.

The inquiry was also told he was regarded as an experienced driver by colleagues.

Mr Innes, is survived by his parents, three siblings and two adult children, Sheriff Aitken said: “His death is a tragedy which is no doubt still very keenly felt.”