Fatal Accident Inquiry to begin into death of Glasgow lorry driver

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has lodged a First Notice to start proceedings into the death of 54-year-old John Dougall, who was employed as a lorry loader driver.

Mr Dougall died in hospital on June 9, 2022, after sustaining crush injuries when he became trapped between a stabiliser leg and the control panel on the side of his vehicle during an incident at the Riverside Museum three days earlier.

A preliminary hearing is due to take place on May 26, 2026, at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

Because Mr Dougall died in the course of his employment, a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory.

The purpose of an FAI includes determining the cause of death, the circumstances in which it occurred, and establishing what reasonable precautions, if any, could be taken in future to minimise the risk of similar deaths.

Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.

Debbie Carroll of the COPFS, Scotland’s death investigation authority, said: “The death of John Dougall occurred while in the course of his employment and as such a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory.

“The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.

“Mr Dougall’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”