Arsalan Baig

I am Angela BROCKLEHURST, HM Assistant Coroner for the coroner area of West Yorkshire Western Coroner Area

On 02 August 2022 I commenced an investigation into the death of Arsalan Khalid BAIG aged 24. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 06 June 1924. The conclusion of the inquest was that: Upon the late evening of the 30th July 2022, Arsalan Khalid Baig travelled as a front seat passenger in a motor vehicle, whilst the driver of which was intoxicated following drug use, and driving at a speed in excess of twice the speed limit allowed on Dryden Street Bradford. Mr Baig was not utilising  a seat belt available to him within the car. Following the loss of control of the car by the driver, a collision into a brick wall ensued with Mr Baig sustaining severe head injuries. The Emergency Services transported Mr Baig to Leeds General Infirmary where he received supportive medical care. A Neurosurgical opinion taken diagnosed the injuries caused to Mr Baig to be unsurvivable; and following an agreement reached with his family, active medical support was withdrawn, with the death of Mr Baig being certified  at 11.35 hours on the 31st July 2022.

On Saturday 30th July, on or around 23:30 hours a number of Police officers were dispatched to Dryden Street, Bradford following a report of a one vehicle, road traffic collision involving an Audi vehicle. Mr Baig was transferred to Leeds General Infirmary where despite best efforts of treating clinicians he continued to deteriorate. Mr Baig’s death was confirmed at 11:35 hours on the 31st of July 2022.

During the course of the investigation my inquiries revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken.  In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows: (brief summary of matters of concern) The deceased was a passenger in a motor vehicle driven by Mohammed Azad Khan upon the late evening of 30th July 2022. The car containing both Mr Khan and Mr Baig was travelling along Dryden Street Bradford towards a right hand turn into Buck Street , whilst also approaching a brick wall at the end of Dryden Street. The street was badly lit with no traffic warning  signs provided to the driver or his passenger as to the approaching wall and a 90 degree turn  of the road onto Buck Street. It is my concern that it is more  likely than not that the absence of good street lighting and lack of appropriate traffic warning signs contributed in part to the death of the deceased.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you (and/or your organisation) have the power to take such action.