Dreamspace deaths were accidental
06/05/2010
Two women who were killed when the Dreamspace inflatable artwork broke free and flipped into the air suffered accidental deaths, an inquest has found.
North Durham coroner Andrew Tweddle instructed the inquest's jury in Chester-le-Street that the only verdict they could reach was one of accidental death. Elizabeth Collings, 68, and Claire Furmedge, 38, were inside the artwork in Riverside Park, County Durham, in July 2008 when the accident occurred.
Artist Maurice Agis, 77, who died in October, designed the artwork and faced manslaughter charges over the deaths, but a jury at Newcastle Crown Court failed to reach a verdict after a month-long trial. He had admitted failing to ensure the safety of the public and was fined £10,000.
Chester-le-Street Council, since replaced by Durham County Council, admitted health and safety breaches and was fined £20,000 for its role in staging the colourful exhibition.
Terry Collins, director of neighbourhood services at Durham County Council, said: "Our event safety management working protocols and processes have been reviewed to provide a unified and strengthened approach to health and safety, and we have broadened representation at Sags to include a number of key service areas including environmental health and building control.
"We will continue to fully co-operate with the coroner and maintain our procedures in line with recognised best practice."
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