Coronial investigation into road death of Patrick Roots focuses on bridge design

A Queensland coroner is investigating how the design of a bridge, which is part of the a regional key sugar network, may have contributed to a young motorcyclist’s death.

The death of Patrick Roots was under investigation by the Central Coroner.

The design of a bridge and whether or not it contributed to the tragic death of a young rider at Pleystowe is being considered as part of a coronial investigation.

Patrick Roots died in a horror traffic incident on Pleystowe Connection Rd bridge on January 10.

The 27 year old had been riding a motorcycle as part of a group.

Patrick had been riding in the southern lane of the bridge, which includes a rail line, when it is understood his bike suddenly veered into the opposite lane and collided with a trailer that had been attached to a vehicle travelling north just after 1.40pm.

The other riders and members of the public came to his aid but sadly he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The scene of a serious crash on Pleystowe Connection Rd in Pleystowe. Picture: Fergus Gregg

Pleystowe Connection Rd, which is part of the key sugar network in the Mackay region, was closed for several hours as police investigated the tragedy on the day.

“There will be no criminal charges from this crash,” Forensic Crash Unit officer in charge Sergeant Mick Hollett said.

It is understood the focus of the investigation instead was on the bridge, the design of the bridge with the rail line in the southern lane of travel and what remedies can be put in place.

Patrick Roots, 27, tragically died in a traffic incident on Pleystowe Connection Rd bridge on January 10.

As a result both Mackay Regional Council and Mackay Sugar will be asked to provide information to the coroner as part of this investigation.

A Coroners Court of Queensland spokesman confirmed the death was under investigation by Central Coroner David O’Connell but said “no further information can be released at this time”.

It is understood Mackay Sugar owns the rail line and is responsible for ensuring the road directly around the rail line is maintained and kept in good condition, while the council owns the bridge.

Patrick had been riding in the southern lane of the bridge, which includes a rail line, when it is understood his bike suddenly veered into the opposite lane. Picture: Fergus Gregg

Mackay Regional Council confirmed it had provided information about the Pleystowe Connection Road bridge to assist Queensland Police Service in preparing a report for the coroner.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further before that information is considered by the coroner,” a council spokesman said.

Mackay Sugar also confirmed it was providing information to the Coroner to assist in his investigations of the incident.

“We will not be commenting further while the matter is still under investigation,” a Mackay Sugar spokesman said.