CTV inquest: Victims crushed to death

An aerial view of emergency services working at the ruined CTV building in central Christchurch. Photo / Sarah Ivey

A lawyer representing families of victims of the Christchurch earthquake says they are anxious to find out as much as they can about the circumstances of the deaths for their "peace of mind".

They also want to know what happened in the collapse of the Canterbury Television (CTV) building on February 22, that claimed 116 lives, to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.

The families of some of the victims in that building - who had formed their own group - so far had very little information, lawyer Marcus Elliott told an inquest in Christchurch today.

They wanted to know about the design and construction of the CTV building, and what assessments and remedial work had been done on it following the last big quake in September, Mr Elliott said.

The inquest, to be held over three days, will consider the deaths of 106 people in the February earthquake.

Coroner Gordon Matenga will today consider the deaths of 12 people believed to have died at The Clinic - a medical practice in the CTV building. The deaths of eight other people in the building will also be considered today.

The cause of the CTV building's collapse will not be considered by the coroner, as this will be the subject of a Royal Commission of Inquiry.

Mr Matenga said today said the inquest would hear evidence and then be adjourned until after the royal commission had "set out its parameters". Issues such as the emergency response to the quake might be considered if they fell outside the royal commission, he said.

The victims

Dr Allan Alexander Sinclair

Dr Allan Alexander Sinclair, 45, of Christchurch, was employed by 'The Clinic' in the CTV building, and was inside the building when the quake struck on February 22, the inquest was told today.

His body was located on February 25 at the site of the collapsed building.

A Post Mortem report found that he died from "heat" injuries to his head, arms and legs. Comparison of his fingerprints and property enabled him to be identified, said Detective Inspector Paul Kench.

Maysoon Mahdi Abbas

Dr Maysoon Mahdi Abbas, 62, was reported as being with a patient in her office at The Clinic at time of the quake on February 22.

Her body was found the same day at the building site. Forensic comparisons confirmed the body found was that of Dr Abbas, Mr Kench told the inquest. She was found to have died from multiple injuries, including significant head trauma.

When questioned, Mr Kench agreed with Mr Elliott that the death could be recorded as the result of the collapse of the CTV building, as well as the result of the quake.

Husam Sabar Al-Ani

Iraqi-born Dr Husam Sabar Al-Ani was last seen alive by a patient at The Clinic on level four of the CTV building on the day of the quake, and his body was found two days later at the site.

He was identified through forensic means. He was found to have died from multiple injuries such as those to his chest, abdomen, internal organs and spine.

Domonic Joseph Gerard Bell

Dr Dominic Bell, 45, was employed by The Clinic and was seen in the CTV building at the time of the quake.

His body was found at the building site that same day. Comparison of fingerprints and his property confirmed it was him.

His cause of death was recorded as being "major chest crush injury with asphyxia", Mr Kench told the inquest.

Dr Bell's sister asked the inquest that his death be recorded as the result of the collapse of the CTV building, as well as the earthquake. Mr Matenga said that seemed appropriate.

Dian Mary Falconer

Medical receptionist Diane Mary Falconer, 55, was reported as being at The Clinic in the CTV building when the quake struck, and her body was found the same day.

Her body was identified by dental and property comparison, and circumstantial evidence, Mr Kench told the inquest.

A post mortem examination found the cause of her death was a "traumatic chest compression with bilateral rib fractures".

Elizabeth Jane Grant

Elizabeth Jane Grant, 51, was employed at The Clinic in the CTV building, and was in the offices when the quake struck. Her body was located three days later at the building site.

Her identity was confirmed via DNA, dental and property comparison, Mr Kench told the inquest.

An examination found she suffered serious trauma, but the provisional cause of death was recorded as "undeterminable".