Learn about the critical roles played by the Chief Coroner and Incident Coroner in coordinating responses to major incidents with mass fatalities
The Chief Coroner and Incident Coroner play pivotal roles in managing the aftermath of major incidents involving mass fatalities in England and Wales. This article delves into their responsibilities, the procedures they follow, and the support mechanisms in place to ensure effective coordination during such crises.
Major incidents, whether occurring domestically or overseas, require a structured and collaborative approach to manage fatalities and provide support to bereaved families. The roles of the Chief Coroner and Incident Coroner are crucial in ensuring that these incidents are handled with the utmost professionalism and sensitivity.
The Chief Coroner’s Responsibilities
Upon being informed of a major incident likely to involve mass fatalities or a terrorism event, the Chief Coroner takes on a coordinating role. The coroner with jurisdiction over the deaths is designated as the Incident Coroner.
If bodies are found in multiple coroner areas, a lead coroner is appointed through one of three procedures, following consultation with all affected coroners.
The Chief Coroner ensures that the Incident Coroner has access to expert advice and assistance from members of the Chief Coroner’s Major Incident Cadre. This support is crucial, even if the Incident Coroner is already a member of the Cadre. The Incident Coroner keeps the Chief Coroner regularly updated on all actions taken.
The Chief Coroner’s office provides advice and support to coroners but does not interfere with judicial decisions, which remain within the discretion of the coroner. This ensures that the investigative process remains independent and impartial.
The Incident Coroner’s Duties
Once the need for special arrangements is established, the Incident Coroner activates the Mass Fatalities Co-ordinating Group (MFCG). This group, chaired by the coroner, includes representatives from local authorities, police, pathologists, and other relevant organizations. The MFCG makes key decisions, such as those related to mortuary facilities, after thorough consultation.
The Incident Coroner also arranges representation at Gold Command and initiates the establishment of emergency mortuary facilities. The relevant authority, under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, is responsible for these facilities. If local measures are insufficient, additional facilities can be requested through the Home Office managed Central Assistance Programme (CAP).
The coroner authorizes the removal of bodies and their eventual release or disposal to lawfully entitled parties. Particular attention is given to promptly releasing information about the identities of the deceased to bereaved families and the public, while ensuring the integrity of the identification process.
Investigation and Inquest Process
The coroner’s duty to investigate under section 1 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 is engaged from the outset. Inquests are opened and adjourned as soon as reasonably practicable. The Chief Coroner may make directions under the 2009 Act for other coroners or judges to conduct investigations if necessary.
The Incident Coroner appoints a supervising pathologist, agrees on a forensic strategy, and oversees the examination of bodies. The forensic strategy includes the use of post-mortem imaging and specialists such as odontologists and anthropologists to establish identity. The coroner may also chair an Identification Commission to confirm the identities of the deceased.
Detailed records of all relevant meetings, actions, and information received are kept by the Incident Coroner. This ensures transparency and accountability throughout the investigative process. The coroner liaises with emergency services, government departments, and, in cases involving foreign nationals, the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office.
Communication and Training
Effective communication is crucial during major incidents. The Chief Coroner, in conjunction with the Incident Coroner, may speak to bereaved family members to explain the coroner process. The Independent Public Advocate (IPA) may also be deployed to provide information to bereaved family members or survivors.
The Chief Coroner provides general advice to government departments and may attend meetings of COBRA. Media inquiries are handled collaboratively by the coroner, local authority press office, police, and the Chief Coroner’s office. A clear communications strategy is developed to ensure honest, accurate, and respectful information is provided.
The Chief Coroner, in collaboration with the Home Office, ensures that continued training opportunities are available to coroners. The Chief Coroner’s Major Incident Cadre meets annually for training, and all coroners receive training on managing mass fatality incidents. The most recent training took place in 2026 and is likely to be repeated regularly to ensure best practices are followed.
