A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into the death of an HGV driver on the A74(M) in Scotland has been confirmed.
German national Thomas Hein, a driver for Josef Schnell, died on the Glasgow to Carlisle Road near Moffat around junction 15 on the afternoon of 14 July 2023 when his vehicle left the road.
A preliminary hearing is set for 4 March, with the FAI being held on 29 May at Dumfries Sheriff Court.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said the purpose of an FAI included determining the cause of death; the circumstances in which the death occurred, and to establish what, if any, reasonable precautions could have been taken, and could be implemented in the future, to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.
Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.
Andy Shanks, procurator fiscal, who leads on death investigations for the COPFS, said: “The death of Thomas Hein 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 Hein’s family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”
