Leeds Gale Death Could Mean Criminal Charges.

10 February 2012, 19:00 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A coroner has adjourned the inquest into the death of a Yorkshire pedestrian killed when a lorry blew over near the tallest building in Yorkshire.

35 year old Edward Slaney from Sowerby Bridge was crushed by the truck that was blown off all four wheels in a notoriously windy area near the Leeds skyscraper last March.

The inquest was told the lorry ``floated through the air like a hot air balloon'' in gale-force winds and landed on him.

Leeds Coroner's court heard the accident spot had become known for strong winds and a wind tunnel effect and that day ``freakishly high'' speeds of between 67mph and 79mph were recorded at Bridgewater Place.

After hearing evidence about the design and construction of the building, Coroner Melanie Williamson, said: ``I'm concerned having heard all the evidence there may be an offence of corporate manslaughter by one or more of the organisations. I'm obliged to adjourn this inquest pending further inquiries by the Crown Prosecution Service,'' she added.

On Thursday, the court heard that people had been complaining to Leeds City Council of a ``wind-tunnel effect'' at Bridgewater Place since 2008.