Inquiry to be held into death of Scots dad killed after lorry overturned on M8

An inquiry is to be held into the death a lorry driver who died after the vehicle he was driving overturned on a motorway.

James Murray was pronounced dead at the scene following the accident near Hermiston Gait roundabout on the M8 on August 2022.

The 54-year-old’s trailer became unsettled while travelling causing both the trailer and the lorry to fall.

Speaking after this death, Mr Murray’s wife, Julie Murray, said he was a “fantastic dad” to their son and daughter.

She said: “There are no words that can truly describe the devastation and pain our family feels just now.

“James was my life and a fantastic dad to Lauren and Jamie and also a wonderful son.

“It’s so hard to comprehend what has happened and to think we will never see his smile or hear his laughter again.”

A Fatal Accident Inquiry is to be held looking at the cause of Mr Murray’s death, the circumstances in which it occurred and whether any reasonable precautions could have been taken, and could be implemented in the future, to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.

Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.      

It is anticipated that the Inquiry will consider whether there were any defects in any system of working which contributed to the death.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said:  “The death of James Murray occurred while in the course of his employment and as such a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory.   

“The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.     

“Mr Murray’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”

A Preliminary Hearing is set for May 17, 2024 at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

The Inquiry will be held on October 9, 10 and 11, 2024.   

Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.      