Coronial
NTother

Inquest into the death of Patricia Slinn, Lesley Ramsay, David James Send, Adrian Martin Durnin and Helen Fuller

Deceased

Patricia Audrey Slinn, Lesley Robin Ramsay, David James Seng, Adrian Martin Durnin, Helen Fuller

Date of death

1983-08-18

Finding date

1985-11-26

Cause of death

Multiple deaths caused by blunt head injury, multiple crush injuries, and traumatic asphyxia sustained when struck by a prime mover vehicle

AI-generated summary

This inquest concerns five deaths resulting from a prime mover driven by an intoxicated driver crashing into a bar at Ayers Rock on 18 August 1983. The driver, Douglas Crabbe, had consumed significant alcohol at multiple venues and was impaired when he drove the vehicle into the Inland Motel bar, killing five patrons. Post-mortem examinations revealed deaths from blunt head injury, multiple crush injuries, and traumatic asphyxia. Crabbe was convicted of five counts of murder. This case highlights the catastrophic consequences of driving while intoxicated and the importance of alcohol-related harm prevention and public safety measures to prevent impaired driving incidents.

AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.

Drugs involved

Contributing factors

  • Driver alcohol intoxication
  • Vehicle operated by impaired driver
  • Excessive alcohol consumption at multiple venues
  • Driver loss of control of heavy vehicle
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