Inquest opens into flood deaths of elderly Jewish couple

The deaths of the Jewish couple whose car became stranded in a flooded Liverpool road may involve matters ‘that need to go into the criminal jurisdiction’, a coroner has suggested.

The inquest into the deaths of Philip and Elaine Marco – after their car became trapped in floodwater on Queens Drive in the Mossley Hill area of Liverpool – was opened and adjourned on Friday.

André Rebello, the senior coroner for Liverpool and Wirral said:“Inquiries will need to be made with regard to the history of this road and lessons learned from previous experience, particularly from residents of the area, and that will all take some time.

“It would be premature of me to identify any other interested parties whose actions or inactions might have caused or contributed to this incident. It’s very important we allow police to get on with their inquiries.

“If it appears there are matters that need to go into the criminal jurisdiction, then so be it.”

It was confirmed that police, fire and ambulance crews responded and firefighters intitally located Elaine,75, who was given first aid at the scene and transported to the Royal Liverpool university hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The court heard how searches at the scene continued and the black Mercedes car and Philip Marco were found.

He was also treated at the scene and taken to the same hospital where his death was confirmed.

The court heard that the couple’s identities were confirmed by their sons, Joshua and Simon.

Rebello added: “This is a complex investigation. Clearly there are questions that will need to be answered with regard to the highway authority, the system of work, maintenance of the road, vigilance with regard to inclement weather.”

The coroner said liaison would be needed with United Utilities, the area’s water supplier, and Network Rail, responsible for the railway bridge over the road.

Rebello adjourned the inquest hearing until next year and asked staff to pass on his condolences to the Marco family.

It was also confirmed that Philip and Elaine were retired caterers, working with kosher produce for many of these years.

The couple were due to be buried on Friday. A further preliminary inquest hearing is scheduled for 27 February 2024.