The family of a devoted couple, who died in what has been described as a ‘completely avoidable’ flooding incident, have launched a scathing attack on Liverpool City Council for its failure to act on a known and deadly risk.
A Tragic Loss in 'Monsoon-Like' Conditions
Philip Marco, 77, and his wife Elaine, 76, lost their lives on 26 August 2023 after their Mercedes car was overwhelmed by floodwater beneath a railway bridge on the A5058 Queen's Drive. The couple were returning home from their son Joshua's 40th birthday celebration when they were caught in an intense, monsoon-like rainstorm.
An inquest heard that their vehicle likely hydrolocked and shut down after being swamped by the bow wave from another car. Firefighters discovered Mrs Marco face down in the water, and their heroic efforts to rescue the couple were hampered by the severe conditions, which were so bad it took over an hour to locate the car and Mr Marco's body.
A Long-History of Known Flooding Dangers
Coroner Andre Rebello recorded a conclusion of misadventure but delivered a powerful critique of the local authority. He revealed that the spot had a history of severe flooding dating back to the road's construction in 1926. Crucially, there had been four serious flooding incidents at the same location in the three months leading up to the tragedy – in May, June, and twice in July – with cars becoming stranded on each occasion.
Despite this, Liverpool City Council’s highways boss, Andy Bethell, repeatedly told the inquest the council did not believe the floodings presented a risk to life. This position was directly contradicted by evidence, including a council-commissioned report that highlighted a clear ‘risk to life’.
Family's Anguish and Council's 'Systemic Failure'
Speaking outside the court, the couple's daughter, Sarah Marco Weinberg, issued a heartfelt statement on behalf of the family, which includes siblings Betsy Marco Yarkony, Simon, and Joshua. She accused the council of ‘failing to act with urgency’ and said their refusal to accept responsibility had ‘deepened our grief’.
‘What makes this even harder is knowing that their deaths were completely avoidable,’ she stated. ‘They knew there had been four serious flooding incidents... and despite all these warnings, the council failed to take the proactive and urgent steps needed to protect life.’
Ms Marco Weinberg highlighted a ‘systemic failure’, noting that the council failed to produce minutes from key meetings, claiming discussions were ‘informal’, while utility company United Utilities provided evidence that a formal flood report was triggered due to the risk to life. No warning signs were placed at the location until after the couple's deaths.
The coroner confirmed that the floodwater was over three metres deep in parts, covering a 180-metre section of road. He concluded that the delay in installing signage and barriers was a failure, as such measures would have forewarned drivers of the danger.
In response, Liverpool City Council Chief Executive Andrew Lewis accepted the deaths 'have caused unimaginable distress and pain'. He stated that substantial work, including barriers, signage, and early warning systems, has since been carried out to mitigate future risk. United Utilities is also investing £30 million in a large storage tank to prevent further flooding at the site.
