Man dies after being backed into by road sweeper

An 87-year-old man tragically passed away after being hit by a reversing road sweeper while walking to a gurdwara in Leicester, an inquest has revealed.

Joginder Singh was making his way to the Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Holy Bones at around 14:00 GMT on 13 October when the incident occurred. He was immediately taken to hospital, where he later suffered a cardiac arrest and died.

The driver of the road sweeper, aged 63, is currently under investigation. The inquest was paused to allow police inquiries to continue.

Police reports stated that the vehicle, operated by Leicester City Council, was collecting fallen leaves near the gurdwara when it began reversing. During the maneuver, it struck Mr Singh, partially running over him. Emergency services found him seated at the roadside and initially believed his injuries were not life-threatening.

Mr Singhs provisional cause of death was recorded as a pelvic and left hip fracture. Following his death, the road sweeper driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. Investigators are also examining vehicle maintenance details revealed during the inquiry.

Senior coroner Professor Catherine Mason confirmed the inquest would remain suspended while the police investigation proceeds, emphasizing that inquiries are ongoing.

Members of Guru Nanak Gurdwara remembered Mr Singh as a "calm, loving, and caring presence." His family paid tribute, highlighting his daily visits to the temple and his significant contributions to Leicesters Sikh community.

Author: Ethan Caldwell