Inquest opens into tragic 2016 floodwater death of Latrobe woman Mary Allford

An inquest has opened into the tragic 2016 flood death of 75-year-old Latrobe woman Mary Allford. LATEST >>

Mary Allford's home where she died during flooding at Shale Road, Latrobe PICTURE CHRIS KIDD

A TWO-week inquest has opened into the death of 75-year-old Latrobe woman Mary Allford, who succumbed in her home to the devastating floods of 2016.

The lengthy coronial investigation follows last year’s dual inquests of 81-year-old Ouse farmer Trevor Foster and newspaper delivery driver Peter Watson, who perished in floodwaters at Evandale.

The 2016 floods were the worst experienced in Tasmania since 1929, claiming the lives of three people.

Mary's son Michael Allford, grandsons Aaron Allford and Michael Warren survey the scene of the tragedy at Shale Road, Latrobe PICTURE: CHRIS KIDD

Mrs Allford drowned in her home, which became inundated with floodwaters after the Mersey River broke its banks.

The frail woman had been unable to walk without help, so could not make it to the roof of her home to be winched to safety by a helicopter.

The inquest into Mrs Allford’s death before Coroner Simon Cooper is expected to continue until March 14, with findings to be handed down into the three deaths at a later date.

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