A 56-year-old tipper lorry driver, Andy Lloyd, was killed while transporting a load to a farm when his truck's grab arm struck overhead power cables. An inquest at the Ruthin Coroner's Court heard that the moment Lloyd stepped out of his vehicle, he was electrocuted by the 11,000-volt lines.
Lloyd, from Bod Elian, Llanelian in Conwy, was pronounced dead at the scene at Tan y Dderwen Farm in Betws-yn-Rhos on May 1, 2026. The court was informed that Lloyd's teenage son, who was accompanying him for work experience, witnessed the tragedy.
Senior Coroner for North Wales East and Central, John Gittins, read the teenager's statement, which revealed that Lloyd had moved the lorry closer to a site where contractors were erecting a shed when the accident occurred. The teenager attempted to warn his father of the danger, but Lloyd had already exited the cab and made contact with the metal step.
An onlooker subsequently rescued the teenager from the vehicle. The coroner concluded that Lloyd died as a result of an accident.
The incident has highlighted the severe risks associated with operating heavy machinery near overhead power infrastructure, prompting local authorities to issue fresh safety warnings to agricultural and transport workers. The tragic loss of life has left the local community in Conwy in a state of shock.
Friends and family described Lloyd as a dedicated professional who was passionate about mentoring the next generation, including his own son. The inquest serves as a somber reminder of the importance of site safety protocols.
Safety experts have reiterated that when operating tipper lorries or cranes, drivers must maintain a significant clearance distance from power lines. Even without direct contact, high-voltage electricity can arc across a gap, posing a lethal threat to anyone in the vicinity.
The investigation into the incident is now closed, with the coroner recording a verdict of accidental death. The family has requested privacy as they continue to mourn the loss of their loved one during this incredibly difficult time.
The Ruthin Coroner's Court emphasized that while the site was active with construction, the specific positioning of the vehicle proved fatal. The testimony provided by the son was crucial in establishing the timeline of events leading up to the electrocution.
This case will likely be used in future safety training programs for lorry drivers across the United Kingdom to prevent similar occurrences. The authorities have expressed their condolences to the Lloyd family.
As the agricultural sector continues to rely on heavy transport, the need for rigorous risk assessments before unloading cargo remains a top priority for safety regulators and industry bodies alike.