Family seek answers after fatal Edinburgh tram accident

Carlos Palacio sadly passed away in September 2018 after being struck by a tram in Edinburgh.

Officials from the Rail Accident Investigations Branch investigated the tragedy and made four recommendations to improve safety.

But after three years it is still unknown if Edinburgh Trams will face further action – a wait for answers that has caused upset to Mr Palacio's family.

In a statement they said: “We’ve waited and waited but it gets to a point where you can no longer assume that ‘no news is good news’.

“We need prosecutors to tell us what is going on. If there is a delay, then why? If they need more evidence, then what evidence?

“COVID cannot be the reason behind this delay as our dad died 18-months before the pandemic.

“We are heartbroken and exhausted and it feels like no one is prepared to explain, apologise or even ask if we’re okay unless it’s done via the courts.

“We need to know what is going on and make sure no others suffer like this in the future.”

Simon Hammond, Partner in our Edinburgh office, is now helping the family seek their answers via a civil investigation.

He said: “The RAIB report has been available for more than two years so it is easy to see why the family of Mr Palacio are frustrated by the lack of action.

“Most people understand that it’s ‘the not knowing’ that causes the most stress so we will continue to support the family and help them secure the answers and recognition they deserve.”

More details around the ongoing pursuit for justice can be found in articles such as the Edinburgh Evening News and The Times.