Death of mechanic dragged under van he was working on at garage in Montrose ruled a 'tragic' accident

The death of a mechanic who died after being dragged under a van he was working on has been ruled as a “tragic” accident.

Darius Zamylko was at his garage in hometown of Montrose, in Angus, when the incident took place on April 21 last year.

The 44-year-old self-employed mechanic was repairing the vehicle when it started to move with him still underneath, resulting in a hypoxic brain injury and traumatic asphyxia.

Following a fatal accident inquiry a sheriff has ruled there was no defects in any system of working which contributed to the death and no recommendations to be made that would realistically avoid a similar situation occurring again.

However, Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown also ruled that compliance with precautions set out by the Health and Safety Executive could have prevented the death.

The precautions that could have made a difference included; engines only being started by someone sitting in the driver’s seat with their legs in the vehicle, with the handbrake on and the vehicle in neutral gear, and a vehicle ramp being used in a workshop.

“Unfortunately, this inquiry serves as a reminder of the importance of such safety precautions on every occasion, even for experienced mechanics,” the sheriff said in her findings.

Ms Martin-Brown ruled the accident was a result of Mr Zamylko starting the engine which caused the van to move forward and drag him underneath.

The van was spotted moving across the road by two other drivers who then found the then badly injured mechanic underneath.

Emergency services were called and he was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee where he died a week later.

The inquiry was mandatory under section 2(3) of the Inquiries into Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths etc. (Scotland) Act 2016 (“the 2016 Act”).

Mr Zamylko had worked from the garage on Ferry Road for around seven years before his death.

He was described as an experienced mechanic who was generally regarded as keeping in good health.

“I wish to express my sincere condolences to Mr Zamylko’s family and friends, which were echoed in the submissions made by both parties,” the sheriff said in her conclusion.