Footballer, 17, horrifically killed by power cables didn’t actually touch them
A young footballer who was killed when he was electrocuted by power cables didn't actually touch them, a court has heard.
A pre-inquest review into the death of Luke Bennett, held on Tuesday at Preston Coroner's Court, heard details of the incident.
The 17-year-old, who was a youth footballer with AFC Fylde, had been using a metal pole to try and retrieve a football which had fallen into a pond when electricity 'arced' from the lines and electrocuted him.
Luke had been played football at Euxton Villa FC in Chorley on the evening of Saturday, March 6 when the terrible tragedy struck.
A barrister representing Luke's parents said that the family have "a few concerns" relating to the events surrounding the incident.
"There are two matters which relate to the mechanism by which the electricity moved from the wires to the pole because there was no direct contact," the barrister, Miss Allen, said.
"There was an arc and they want to know why that happened. There is also some reference to Luke getting up after the initial shock and then lying down again.
"Mrs Bennett is understandably asking if that played a part and how the electricity travelled. The family wondered if Electricity North West might help with that and such evidence might also assist with a couple of other matters pressing in the minds of the parents.
"Mrs Bennett thinks the wires might have changed since the incident and she is wondering if that is the case. They understand there was a walk-through or some sort of visit afterwards. They wonder if someone can speak about the safety of the site because they don't feel it was safe."
The North West Ambulance Service carried out a Serious Incident review after Luke's death.
The hearing heard there had been delays in getting to the scene of the accident. A Health and Safety Executive investigation was also launched, although it is not known whether this has been completed.
Don't miss a thing with our football updates!
Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news?
Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star football email newsletter!
From the latest transfer news to the agenda-setting stories, get it all in your email inbox – don't miss a thing.
How do you sign up?
It only takes a matter of seconds.
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit 'subscribe'.
And that's it, job done. You'll receive an email with all of the top news stories every single morning.
You can find out more information on our email newsletter on this link here.
A date for the final inquest is yet to be determined although it is likely to last two days.
AFC Fylde, who play in the National League North, posted an emotional statement following Luke's death in March.
It read: "It is with deep sadness and sorrow that we must share the tragic news that AFC Fylde youth player Luke Bennett has passed away at the age of 17.
"Learning the news on Saturday evening has left us absolutely devastated and heartbroken. All our love goes out to Luke’s family and friends at this cruel and difficult time. Above all, Luke was a kind, popular young man who was much loved by his teammates and coaches. He was somebody who could instantly light up a room with his bubbly personality. Then, on the field, he was a naturally gifted footballer who excelled every time he represented AFC Fylde.
"The pain of Luke’s sudden and untimely passing will be felt by our football club, supporters and all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. Rest in peace, 'Lukey B'. The memory of you will always be in our hearts."
Luke's parents, who both attended the pre-inquest review, paid tribute to their son and said his "beautiful light will never go out".
Source: Read Full Article