Deceased
Nancy Doreen Hay
Demographics
99y, female
Coroner
Coroner Catherine Fitzgerald
Date of death
2023-02-07
Finding date
2025-05-26
Cause of death
Chest injuries in the setting of a tram incident (pedestrian)
AI-generated summary
A 99-year-old woman with dementia and reduced mobility was struck by a tram while crossing at a roundabout intersection in Essendon, Victoria. She sustained severe chest injuries including bilateral pneumothoraces, haemothorax, and rib fractures, dying at Royal Melbourne Hospital several hours after the incident. Investigations found the tram driver responded appropriately with emergency braking and warning signals. However, environmental factors at the legacy tram stop—including faded 'Give Way to Tram' signage, unclear line markings, and overgrown vegetation—may have contributed to the pedestrian's failure to perceive the oncoming tram. The coroner noted these safety deficiencies were non-compliant with current infrastructure standards but highlighted that legacy tram stops lack the safety controls applied to new installations. Recommendations focus on network-wide assessment of similar legacy tram stops to prevent future incidents.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
Specialties
Error types
Clinical conditions
Procedures
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