Mayo coroner issues appeal after woman lost life on 'death trap road'
A 58-year-old employee of Tesco Supermarket, Claremorris, lost her life when an Irishtown farmer rear-ended her Toyota Yaris as she was stationary, indicating to turn right, on the N17 at Castlemacgarrett, an inquest has been told.
The inquest into the death of Andrewa Gornowicz, a German national, who lived at The Old Park House, Castlemacgarrett, was conducted in Ballina Courthouse by the Coroner for the District of Mayo, Dr. Eleanor Fitzgerald.
The driver of the vehicle which rear-ended the deceased’s vehicle sending it spinning into the path of an oncoming vehicle was Martin Cullinan, with an address at Kilmicalla, Irishtown.
Mr. Cullinan recently pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to causing Ms. Gornowicz’s death by driving without due care and attention.
In a statement to gardaí which was read to last Friday’s inquest, Mr. Cullinan (69) outlined how he had been returning from Claremorris on the N17 when 'without warning I came on a car that appeared to be parked'.
The statement continued: “I crashed into the car in the carriageway in front of me.
“I did not see any brake lights or any indicator. The car was just there.
“I do not know if I braked because it all happened so suddenly.
“The car that I hit from behind crossed to the other side of the road and hit in turn another vehicle.
“I am very shocked by what happened, I did not intend to harm anybody. I am sorry the lady lost her life. I do take full responsibility for my actions.”
An eyewitness, Peter Collins, Corrandulla, Galway, one of three drivers involved in the collision, gave evidence that the driver of the Yaris had indicated to turn right when her vehicle was rear-ended.
Mr. Collins told the coroner he uses the road regularly as he plays golf in Claremorris two or three times a week.
He described the stretch of N17 as “a death trap road."
The inquest was told that death would have been instantaneous.
Returning a verdict of accidental death the coroner said the deceased bore no blame for the collision.
“She was stopped at a junction, indicating to turn right and he (Cullinan) went straight into her.
“It should not, need not, have happened if due care was taken.”
The coroner concluded by suggesting a filter lane is needed at the accident location, or perhaps the closure of minor contributory roads, and this should be brought to the attention of Mayo County Council.
* Funded under the Courts Reporting Scheme.