An inquest into the death of Ali Hefni, a 46-year-old man who fell from the A34 bridge onto the M6 motorway, is scheduled to begin on October 19 before a jury. The hearing was adjourned by area coroner Joanne Lees during a pre-inquest review on Wednesday, July 22.
Details of the Incident
Mr Hefni died after falling from the A34 bridge onto the northbound carriageway of the M6 at junction 7, near Great Barr, just before midnight on June 25, 2025. He was struck by passing vehicles and pronounced dead at the scene. The motorway was closed for approximately six hours while West Midlands Police conducted an investigation.
An inquest was originally opened by the Black Country Coroner Service on July 24, 2025, and subsequently adjourned. At the recent hearing, coroner Joanne Lees noted the complexity of determining the cause of death, stating: "It's difficult to say whether the fatal injuries were from the fall or collision with vehicles (and or both)."
Legal Representation and Scope
Thomas Langley appeared on behalf of the chief constable of West Midlands Police, while Adrian Keeling KC represented two police officers. The scope of the final inquest was discussed, and it was confirmed that a jury would be empaneled for the hearing.
Mr Hefni was living in Walsall at the time of his death but had family in Egypt. The inquest aims to establish the circumstances surrounding his death, including whether the injuries were sustained from the fall itself or from subsequent collisions with traffic.
