STV NewsA Fatal Accident Inquiry into the deaths of four people aboard a Super Puma helicopter which crashed in Shetland in 2013 has been delayed due to coronavirus.
Passengers Sarah Darnley, Gary McCrossan, Duncan Munro and George Allison died when the aircraft crashed on its approach to Sumburgh in 2013.
A total of 18 people were on board the helicopter at the time.
The inquiry had been due to take place in May, after being postponed from January.
Sheriff Principal of Grampian, Highland and Islands, Derek Pyle, said: “In relation to this inquiry, the safety of all involved must be the paramount consideration of the court.
“Once normal court business resumes, a date will be sought as early as is possible to continue the inquiry hearings.
“Meantime, the parties involved have been urged to continue to agree evidence where appropriate as far as they can while working remotely.”
A statement from the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service said that the case would involve a number of witnesses who are medical professionals required to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
It added that due to a large number of parties being represented, it would be “unrealistic” to conduct the case via virtual links or while adhering to social distancing.
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