Soldier dies after falling from HGV during training exercise and being run over

13 October 2023 , 12:32

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Private Adam Brocklehurst died during a training exercise at Sennybridge in Wales (Image: WALES NEWS SERVICE)

A soldier died after being run over by a HGV he was driving during a training exercise, an inquest has heard.

Adam Lee Brocklehurst died at Sennybridge Training Area in Powys, Wales on September 20. The 27-year-old, from North Yorkshire, was driving down a hill when he "lost control" of the vehicle.

The inquest at Pontypridd Coroners' Court heard Private Brocklehurst was ejected from the HGV and sustained fatal injuries after being struck by the moving vehicle. A post-mortem examination carried out at Royal Glamorgan Hospital on October 5 gave provisional cause of death as 1a traumatic head injury, Wales Online reports.

Area coroner for South Wales Central Patricia Morgan said she had "reason to suspect his death was violent in nature and therefore an inquest is required". The inquest was opened but then adjourned to allow an investigation to be undertaken into the circumstances leading up to Private Brocklehurst's death.

"I express my condolences to the family of Adam Brocklehurst at this sad time," the coroner said. A pre-inquest review will take place in six months time.

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Private Adam Brocklehurst was run over by the HGV after being ejected from it when he lost control (WALES NEWS SERVICE)

The court heard Private Brocklehurst's address was Vimy Barracks on Scotton Road, Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) previously said the father-of-one was a "caring, loyal, kind, and joyful" driver in the Infantry Training Centre (ITC) support battalion.

It was said Private Brocklehurst joined the army in May 2019, and that his death "devastated" the battalion. Lt Col Phil Morgan said: “Private Adam Brocklehurst was a charming and delightful individual.

"He had an infectious personality and was always quick for a laugh and took any opportunities he could. Since arriving at ITC in August 2022, he had worked hard over the past year and was a standout performer across his troop, exuding loyalty, selfless commitment, and respect for others. He was showing great potential as a future leader. Tragically his career and life has been cut too short. Our deepest condolences are with his family during this sad time.”

Lance Corporal Phelemon Rai described Pte Brocklehurst as a "cheerful person", adding: “We were training together to do Paras 10 [an endurance race] on September 30. He was very keen on what he was doing and always tried his hardest at everything he did. He was always ready to help and support. It is very hard to believe that he has left us before his time. He will always be my thoughts and memory. My deepest condolences are with his son and family.”

Reem Ahmed