Coroner's Finding: Mr C

39y · Male·traumatic asphyxia from crushing injury

A 39-year-old man died from traumatic asphyxia after being crushed under a van while working on it. The vehicle was inadequately supported on home-made ramps and a trolley jack without wheel chocks, causing it to roll off the ramps and trap him underneath. Neighbours responded promptly and used a car jack to free him, and emergency services provided extended CPR for 43 minutes, but resuscitation was unsuccessful. The death was entirely preventable through proper vehicle support procedures including secure chocking of wheels and use of appropriate safety equipment. This was the second similar death in 12 months in Tasmania.