Birmingham duo jailed after deadly 91mph crash kills 21-year-old Ryan Sandhu
Fatal smash on Aston Expressway
Tragedy struck just past midnight on Sunday, 2 June 2024, when 21-year-old Ryan Sandhu was driving along the A38 (M) Aston Expressway. An out-of-control Audi, driven by Saqlane Zafar, slammed into Ryan’s car at a terrifying 91mph — more than double the 40mph speed limit. The violent hit forced Ryan’s vehicle into another car. Despite paramedics’ frantic efforts, Ryan was pronounced dead at the scene.
Speed madness and a reckless getaway
Birmingham’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit exposed the terrifying sequence. Zafar was speeding through closed lanes, forcing other drivers to swerve to avoid a smash. Even more shockingly, his car was littered with nitrous oxide canisters thrown out during the reckless spree. Zafar wasn’t alone – his mate Muhammad Hamza trailed beside him in a Nissan, acting as his getaway driver.
After the crash, Hamza briefly stopped to pick up Zafar before they both fled, leaving destruction and heartbreak behind. They then led police on a dangerous chase through Small Heath, refusing to stop – until officers finally caught up.
Justice hits the road
- Saqlane Zafar, 28, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. He was handed a hefty 15-year jail term.
- Muhammad Hamza, 28, convicted of dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice, was sentenced to four years and six months behind bars.
This brutal high-speed crash has left Birmingham reeling. It’s a deadly warning about the horrors of dangerous driving on our roads.
