Fatal accident, Walton, 1950s...

[lost_in_space]

My granddad, Thomas George Hampson, was killed by a vehicle [car/lorry?] on the 20th of December 1958 in the Walton/Kirkdale area. The driver was never traced. Would there have been much traffic on the roads in those days? Also, would this have been a 'newsworthy' incident? Reported in the Liverpool Echo, or any other local newspapers of that time? As usual, many thanks for any replies.

[Blue70]

You could try British Newspaper Archive they now have the Liverpool Echo for 1958. You can get free credits by registering as a new user with a new e-mail address. There may be inquest papers available but as the date of death is less than 75 years you would need to contact the Coroner to get permission to view them. You can though view the inquest registers without permission on microfiche at Liverpool Record Office. If there was an inquest it will be on these registers. The sort of information in the registers is pretty basic, similar to information on a death certificate. If you want more detail try getting permission to view the inquest papers.


Blue

[retiringtype]

There's a death announcement in the Echo of Monday 22 December (page 3) but I don't see any report of the accident.

[retiringtype]

There is a brief report in the Echo of 20 December. Top of page 1 "Man Killed at Walton" and also on page 17 "Walton Death"

[retiringtype]

He was killed in County Road near Dumbarton Street shortly after 5.00 in the morning on a Saturday. There wouldn't have been much traffic around at that time.

[retiringtype]

Police asking for witnesses - Liverpool Echo 23 December 1958, page 1 "Witnesses Sought"

[lost_in_space]

You could try British Newspaper Archive ... try getting permission to view the inquest papers.


Blue

Thanks Blue, I wasn't aware of any of that.

[lost_in_space]

Police asking for witnesses - Liverpool Echo 23 December 1958, page 1 "Witnesses Sought"

Thanks for your replies retiringtype, some food for thought in there.

[Blue70]

Have you got the death certificate? The coroner provides the information for the death certificate if there's been an inquest.


Blue

[lost_in_space]

Have you got the death certificate? The coroner provides the information for the death certificate if there's been an inquest.


Blue

I haven't. I didn't know that about the coroner. Thanks!