Man was crushed by his own van

A man crushed by his own van as he tried to stop it rolling down a hill died as a result of a tragic accident, an inquest heard.

Michael Hill, aged 21, was pinned against the wall of a car repair centre in Tipton.

His death in March was recorded as accidental following an inquest yesterday, but the hearing was told some of the circumstances were still unexplained.

Michael, an E.on power supply company worker who lived in Sedgley Road, had locked the door to his white Renault panel van and rushed to try and stop it when he saw it rolling.

The court heard how his friend, Daniel Mullins, was with him at the time of the accident, which occurred at around 9pm on March 6.

Mr Mullins told the coroner’s court, sitting at West Bromwich Town Hall yesterday, that he had tried to rescue his friend.

He was unable to reverse the van, as its driving wheels were suspended above the ground, the court heard.

He added he was unable to remember whether or not Michael had put the handbrake on before getting out of the van and locking it.

Black Country coroner Robin Balmain recorded a verdict of accidental death following the inquest.

He added there were some unexplained circumstances surrounding the incident, such as what had caused the vehicle to roll down the hill.

Speaking to the Express & Star following the accident in March, Michael’s father Anthony said tributes had poured in for his son, who was very popular.

Former Willingsworth High School pupil Michael lived at home.