A father was tragically killed when his heavy goods vehicle overturned during severe winds, with his family now launching a legal battle against his former employer.
A Tragic Journey in Storm Malik
Bogdan Popa, a 32-year-old from Liverpool, lost his life on January 29, 2022, while driving his usual route from Skelmersdale to Motherwell in Scotland. The incident occurred during Storm Malik, near Lesmahagow in South Lanarkshire.
Mr Popa, who had slowed his curtain-sided lorry to between 50 and 55 mph due to the conditions, lost control after it was struck by a powerful crosswind. The vehicle rolled onto its side, crossed a metal barrier, and collided with an oncoming car. A post-mortem examination concluded he suffered an unsurvivable head injury.
Legal Allegations and Company Defence
The Court of Session in Scotland heard on December 18, 2025, that the Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning for strong westerly winds that day. Mr Popa's family alleges that haulage firm XDP failed in its duty of care.
Their case claims there was no transport manager on site at the Skelmersdale depot when Mr Popa began his early-morning journey around 4am, and that the weather warning was not communicated to him. They further allege a suitable risk assessment was not carried out and that Mr Popa was not informed he would be supported if he chose not to travel due to the adverse conditions.
The family cited another XDP driver, James Foreman, who aborted a journey in high winds on September 29, 2022, and was allegedly required to work on his day off to complete it.
XDP has entered a plea of contributory negligence. The firm states Mr Popa was an experienced HGV driver, having worked in continental Europe before moving to the UK in December 2019. They argue he was aware of the conditions and could have slowed further or stopped, suggesting the crash might have been avoided at 30 mph. The company also noted he had recently completed a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence.
A spokesperson for XDP said: "Our thoughts are with Bogdan’s family and their tragic loss; Bogdan is missed dearly by all at XDP."
Family and Legal Proceedings
Bogdan Popa is survived by his wife, Lacramioara, and his son, who was 12 years old at the time of the crash. The family had moved to Liverpool from Romania just over two years before the tragedy.
The recent hearing at the Court of Session was to determine whether English or Scottish law should apply to the forthcoming case. Judge Lord Uist ruled that English law would govern the issues of liability and damages.
The case continues as the family seeks accountability for their devastating loss.
