Inquest due to begin into death of Lancashire man involved in Ethiopia plane crash

Sam Pegram was one of a number of british people killed in the disaster four years ago

Author: Adam FawcettPublished 10th Jul 2023

An inquest is due to begin later into the death of a Lancashire man, who died in a plane crash four years ago.

Sam Pegram, 25, was one of a number of british people onboard the Ethiopian Airlines flight, which crashed shortly after take off.

Oliver Vick, 45, and sustainability campaigner Joanna Toole, 36, were also among 157 passengers who died.

The crash was the second fatal accident involving a Boeing 737 MAX 8 in a matter of months.

Lawyers acting for Sam's family, as well as for the families of other british victims, say they will be seeking a verdict of unlawful killing at the inquest.

Speaking to us, Sam's father said: "It's been an extremely frustrating time to have the opportunity to have this inquest, so I'm glad that it's taking place.

"The main hope is that everyone will get to know the truth about what Boeing did. Why Sam, and others should still be here. We are really aiming for a verdict of unlawful killing."

Ms Toole's father Adrian sees the inquest as a chance to express the loss which has been caused by her death in a formal inquiry.

He told the BBC: "For me, it represents what may be my only opportunity to actually talk about Joanna to what is effectively a captive audience.

"And what I hope to point out is what has been lost with Joanna's death.

"To her partner, Paul, to me, and to the international sustainability effort."

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