Inquest into the death of KT

24y · Male·Multiple injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident

On 22 October 2022, a 24-year-old driver died in a single-vehicle road accident on Maribyrnong Avenue, Kaleen, ACT. His Nissan Navara utility struck a tree at approximately 109 km/h in a 60 km/h zone. The deceased was under the influence of alcohol (0.179g/100mL), cocaine, and MDMA, and was using his mobile phone while driving. During the collision, the utility tray detached from the vehicle and struck the deceased, contributing to fatal multiple injuries. Bystanders, including a passerby nurse, provided CPR but he died at the scene. Mechanical inspection found no defects in the tray attachment; detachment resulted from impact and velocity-induced loading. The coroner did not find a public safety matter but referred findings to the Commonwealth Department regarding vehicle tray safety standards.