An inquest into the death of a Crossrail worker after he was struck by a section of shotcrete is to begin on Monday 23rd February.

René Tkacik, 44, died at Crosrail's Fisher Street site on 7th March last year.

During the 8 day hearing, the Coronoer will hear how Mr Tkacik was crushed to death as he sprayed concrete through a hose – known as "shotcreting" used by Crossrail contractors.

Helen Clifford, a leading construction injury lawyer from Leigh Day who is representing Mr Tkacik's parents at the inquest, has repeated calls for Crossrail management to come clean about the human cost of the project.


Last year it was reported in the Observer newspaper that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) had been asked to investigate allegations that safety standards on the £15bn project have been compromised and the death of a worker could have been avoided.

The HSE has started an investigation into the death of Mr Tkacik and the Inquest will hear from the HSE, BFK Joint Venture (BAM, Ferrovial, Kier who employed Mr Tkacik), BBMV Joint Venture (Balfour Beatty, Morgan Sindall, Vinci Construction).

Helen Clifford, head of the construction team at Leigh Day, said: "We await to hear from witnesses at the Inquest the exact details of the incident which led to the death of Mr Tkacik. We are especially keen to hear from those who were working with shotcrete throughout the Crossrail project."

(CD/MH)