Inquiry to be held into German lorry driver death

Thomas Hein died after his lorry left the road on the A74(M) near Moffat in 2023

A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) is to be held into the death of a German lorry driver in the south of Scotland.

Thomas Hein, 25, was killed in a crash on the A74(M) motorway near Moffat on 14 July 2023 after his vehicle left the road.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) confirmed an FAI would be held at Dumfries Sheriff Court on 29 May.

A preliminary hearing has been set for 4 March.

Mr Hein, originally from Baden-Wurttemberg, was employed by construction company Josef Schnell.

The aim of an FAI is not to attribute blame but to look at the circumstances of his death and establish what - if any - reasonable precautions could have been taken and could be implemented to avoid any similar incidents in future.

Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said: "The death of Thomas Hein occurred while in the course of his employment and as such an FAI is mandatory.

"The lodging of the first notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the sheriff.

"Mr Hein's family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress."