Three Dead After Wrong-Way Van Smashes Taxi on M606
A deadly crash rocked the M606 near the Chain Bar roundabout at 10.45pm last night when a van slammed head-on into a taxi.
Fatal Collision Claims Three Lives
The taxi driver, 28, and his 49-year-old passenger died instantly at the scene. Tragically, an 18-year-old van passenger later died in hospital this morning.
A 17-year-old boy, also in the van, is hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The van’s 15-year-old driver remains in hospital, arrested on suspicion of causing death by reckless driving.
Van Drove Wrong Way – Possibly Stolen Vehicle
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) revealed the van, a Ford Transit suspected to be stolen, drove around the roundabout the wrong way before barrelling onto the motorway against traffic and colliding with the taxi.
West Yorkshire Police did not pursue the van as it entered the motorway heading the wrong way, but video footage and evidence are being carefully reviewed.
Probe Underway Into Tragic Crash
“Three people were killed following the incident on the M606, near the Chain Bar roundabout, at approximately 10.45pm last night,” a spokesperson said.
“This was a tragic incident that resulted in three people losing their lives. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected.”
“We understand that this has caused considerable concern in the community, and I would like to reassure people that a thorough, independent investigation will be conducted to determine exactly what happened.”
“We will contact the families as soon as possible to explain our role and how our investigations will proceed.”
— IOPC Regional Director Thea Walton
The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the full story behind the horror crash. Two others injured are now recovering in hospital.
