Two road crashes on the M62 and A672 have left families mourning, prompting investigations and community appeals for road safety.
The first incident involved the tragic deaths of two Ryanair pilots, Captain Matthew Greenhalgh and senior first officer Jamie Fernandes. On July 11, 2023, their taxi was hit from behind by a heavy goods vehicle on the M62, leading to their untimely demise. At 5:31 AM, as the pilots were traveling toward Liverpool John Lennon Airport, the crash occurred between junctions eight and seven, immediately claiming the lives of the young aviators, aged 28 and 24, respectively. The driver of the taxi, meanwhile, suffered serious injuries, as reported initially by local news sources.
Coroner Victoria Davies opened investigations on July 31, 2023, acknowledging the unnatural nature of the pilots’ deaths, and scheduled another hearing for February 12, 2024. Following the investigation, the driver of one of the involved lorries, aged 61, was arrested on suspicion of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving but has since been released on conditional bail.
Family tributes were heartfelt and poignant as they expressed their grief. Matthew’s family shared, "We take comfort we will hold so many fantastic memories of our time with him." They celebrated his passion for flying and the love he brought to those around him. Jamie’s family echoed similar sentiments, stating, "We have been truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and affection to our family," underscoring the impact he had on his friends and colleagues.
To honor their memory, the families set up initiatives like scholarship trusts aimed at assisting aspiring pilots and announced the introduction of the ‘Matt Greenhalgh and Jamie Fernandes Memorial Award,’ which will be awarded annually to the top performing cadet at Ryanair’s training center.
Meanwhile, the second incident unfolded on February 4, 2024, when police responded to reports of a crash involving six teenagers riding in a black Vauxhall Corsa on the A672 Oldham Road, shortly before 1 AM. The vehicle reportedly veered off the road after leaving the M62 at junction 22, resulting in one boy being taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The police confirmed he remains in serious condition, and five others suffered minor injuries.
Authorities quickly closed the A672 Oldham Road between M62 junctions 22 and Pike End Road due to the seriousness of the accident, which had been obstructing traffic throughout the morning. A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police announced, “All five have been arrested in connection with the incident,” and emphasized their desire to speak with anyone who might have witnessed the crash or observed the vehicle's movements prior to the incident.
Police have been actively investigating the crash and encourage anyone with information to come forward, stating, "Officers from the Roads Policing Unit would like to speak to anybody who saw the collision or the vehicle’s movements..." They continue to look for evidence, including potential video footage from bystanders.
These dual incidents raise serious concerns about road safety and the far-reaching effects of traffic incidents on families and communities. While investigations aim to get to the bottom of each tragedy, they also serve as reminders of the importance of driving responsibly.
With the memory of Matthew and Jamie living on through their families and initiatives, and the hope for recovery for those affected by the A672 crash, the focus remains on finding justice and improving safety on the roads.