Six people, including two children, have died in a tragic crash on the A61 between Wakefield and Barnsley. The incident occurred just before 4pm on Sunday, prompting a police investigation and the arrest of a man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
The victims include Shane Roller, 33, Shannen Morgan, 30, and their daughters Rubie, nine, and Lillie, four. The family were travelling in their Ford Focus when the collision happened. They were well-known and loved members of their local community, leaving many grieving their loss.
Also killed in the crash were motorbike riders Christopher Barton, 56, and his wife Janine, 48. Their son paid tribute to them through West Yorkshire Police, describing them as “loving, caring parents who always put me first.”
Support has been pouring in for the surviving 11-year-old daughter of Shane Roller and Shannen Morgan, who was not present at the crash scene. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over £200,000 to assist her. Family friend Paul Hepple said the girl “lost her whole world in an instant” as the community rallies around her.
The A61 was closed while emergency services and investigators worked at the scene. Superintendent Alan Travis from Wakefield Police described the tragedy as “absolutely devastating.” West Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Enquiry Team is appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam, doorbell, or CCTV footage to come forward. They are particularly interested in information regarding a grey Porsche 911 seen near the crash site around the time of the incident.
Originally published by UKNIP.
