DANGER OF HANGING ON TO VEHICLES – INQUEST INTO TRAGIC DEATH OF DUBLIN BOY

The tragic death of eight-year-old Edward Dempsey, of 4 Kildare Road, Kimmage, was the subject of an inquest held at the Meath Hospital, Dublin, where an accidental death verdict was returned by Dr. MacErlean, coroner. The boy was fatally injured while hanging on to the rear of a lorry, subsequently falling off and being struck by a Dublin Corporation motor car.

The incident occurred at the junction of Crumlin Road and Sundrive Road. Garda James Coffey, who witnessed the accident, stated that he saw the boy running behind a lorry, holding on with one hand. When the lorry turned at the corner, the boy attempted to let go but fell into the path of the motor car, which was traveling on its correct side at a moderate speed of 15 to 20 miles per hour. The car’s driver, Edward Burke, applied the brakes immediately but had only a moment to react. Tragically, the boy was struck by the car’s right lamp.

John Bellan of Kimmage, who was cycling nearby, testified that the boy had been “playing horses” with a stick while running along behind the lorry. He recalled hearing the screech of brakes and, upon turning, saw the boy fall. Bellan and Garda Coffey ran to the boy’s aid, carrying him to the motor car. The boy, who was calling for his mother, was rushed to the hospital by Mr. Burke, who also informed the boy’s parents of the accident.

Medical evidence provided by Dr. Coleman, house surgeon, revealed that the boy’s death was due to shock and haemorrhage caused by both external and internal injuries.

During the proceedings, it was highlighted that the authorities were considering legislation to address the dangerous practice of children hanging on to the backs of vehicles. Mr. MacLoughlin, solicitor, emphasised that motorists could not be expected to anticipate such behaviour, and he expressed hope that new regulations would help minimise such tragedies.

Mr. Bonass, representing Dublin Corporation, extended his sympathy to the boy’s family, as did Inspector Curran on behalf of the Gardaí. The jury exonerated the driver, Mr. Burke, of any blame, acknowledging his efforts to prevent the accident.

Sympathy was also expressed by Mr. H. Donass, solicitor for the Corporation, and Mr. MacLoughlin, solicitor for the driver, who both stressed the need for steps to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Death Certificate