AN HGV driver has been jailed after admitting causing the deaths of two pilots who were being driven home after their shifts, and to causing serious injuries to the taxi driver following a collision on the M62 near Warrington.
Passengers Matthew Greenhalgh, 28, and Jamie Fernandes, 24, died at the scene of the collision, whilst taxi driver Rashid Mehmood suffered serious injuries.
Anthony Burns, 63, from Headington Road, Upton, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on 13 January, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The court heard that at around 5.30 am on Thursday, 11 July 2024, a collision occurred between two lorries and a silver Toyota Auris taxi on the westbound carriageway of the M62 between junction 8 and junction 7.
The vehicles were heading towards Liverpool and were in lane one of the motorway when the taxi driver came to a stop behind an HG,V which was sitting in stationary traffic. A roadblock had been placed on their side of the carriageway for safety reasons while emergency services dealt with a collision on the eastbound carriageway.
Burns, who was driving his HGV behind the taxi, failed to react to the stationary traffic in time and collided with the Toyota which was shunted into the HGV in front.
There were no less than four illuminated flashing amber gantry signs with clear warnings for those heading towards Liverpool. Two signs warned of a queue after the junction with the advisory speed set as 50mph and then 40mph as they approached the roadblock. The arrows above each lane prompted drivers to move from lane three to the left-hand lanes.
Captain Matt Greenhalgh and Senior First Officer Jamie Fernandes
Sergeant Russ Sime said: “There were plenty of warnings for motorists, yet Burns failed to act which resulted in a tragic outcome that could have been avoided. His failure to take note of the warnings and the stationary traffic ahead of him resulted in families being devastated and their lives changing forever.
“I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to adhere to the motorway warning signs – this horrific and tragic event highlights exactly why you should.”
The families of both Captain Matt Greenhalgh and First Officer Jamie Fernandes paid tribute to them following the collision.
Matt’s family said: “Matt had a passion for life and seized every opportunity that came his way. He had already achieved so much in such a short life, with so much more planned.
“Matt discovered his ambition for becoming a pilot in his teenage years, following a flying lesson that was gifted by his aunt. His hard work and determination led to a successful career with Ryanair, recently being promoted to Captain. He loved the skies and flying, never growing tired of the scenic views from the cockpit.
“Matt was a keen sportsman; in his younger years, enjoying rugby and cricket, and more recently golf and cycling. He wanted to try anything and everything, constantly seeking new adventures. Matt and his wife, Hannah, also enjoyed travelling. Their last trip being Las Vegas, where they were married just three months before his tragic death.
“We take comfort that we will hold so many fantastic memories of our time with him. He was a loving husband, thoughtful son, loyal brother, caring grandson, respected colleague and valued friend.
“We have been overwhelmed with love and affection to our family, from so many areas of Matt’s life, as he clearly touched the lives of so many.
“We are lost without you. You are forever in our hearts.”
Jamie’s family said:
“Jamie was living his best life and had so many plans for the future. In his too short life he packed in so much and made the most of every moment.
“We are grateful that he had achieved the dream he had had from childhood of flying. He looked forward to every day at work where it is obvious he was with a very special family of colleagues and friends, and as he said, “The sun always shines above the clouds.”
“Jamie loved spending time with his friends, playing golf, squash and was a keen hockey player. All of his friends from both school and the flying community were hugely important to him. He was so very kind and had a wicked sense of humour.
“We have been truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and affection to our family which shows what a special young man Jamie was and how he clearly touched the lives of more people than we could ever have imagined.
“Our darling boy was a loving son, grandson, nephew and cousin. He is the light of our lives and always will be.”
