HGV Driver Jailed for 10 Years After M62 Crash Kills Two Young Pilots
Deadly Smash on M62: Warnings Ignored
An HGV driver has been locked up for a decade after a horrific crash on the M62 claimed two young pilots’ lives. Despite multiple motorway warnings, 63-year-old Anthony Burns crashed into a stationary taxi, instantly killing Matthew Greenhalgh, 28, and Jamie Fernandes, 24. The taxi driver suffered serious injuries.
The tragedy struck at 5.30am on 11 July 2024, on the westbound M62 between junctions 8 and 7 near Liverpool. Emergency services were managing a roadblock caused by an earlier collision on the opposite side, bringing traffic to a halt with clear warnings in place:
- Four flashing amber gantry signs alerted drivers of queues ahead
- Advisory speed limits dropped from 50mph to 40mph
- Lane arrows directed traffic to merge left safely
Burns was driving behind a silver Toyota Auris taxi carrying the two pilots home after shifts. The taxi had stopped in the traffic but Burns failed to brake in time, smashing into it and pushing it into a lorry ahead.
Judge Slams ‘Tragic, Avoidable Crash’
Burns pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of causing serious injury. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Sergeant Russ Sime labelled the crash “tragic and avoidable,” urging drivers to heed motorway warnings to prevent such disasters.
Heartbreaking Tributes to Fallen Pilots
Matthew Greenhalgh’s family: “Matt had a real passion for life and achieved so much in a short time, including his recent promotion to Captain with Ryanair. He loved flying, sport and travel, and had married his wife Hannah just three months before his death. He was a loving husband, son and brother who will be forever missed.”
Jamie Fernandes’ family: “Jamie was living his dream of becoming a pilot and made the most of every moment. He was kind, fun-loving and deeply valued by his friends, family and colleagues. Our beloved son will always be the light of our lives.”
