Experts Call For Answers Over Fatal Motorway Incident

Serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell are calling for answers after two people died and more than 25 were hospitalised in a major road traffic collision on the M5 involving a coach and lorry.

The 65-year-old lorry driver died in hospital following the incident on Saturday (March 24th), which also claimed the life of a 35-year-old passenger travelling on the bus.

Another passenger remains in a critical condition with serious head and leg injuries, while a number of others were treated at the scene and in nearby hospitals.

West Midlands Police confirmed they have arrested and bailed the 45-year-old bus driver on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving in relation to the incident, which is believed to have occurred when the bus broke down in thick fog between junctions 3 and 4.

The Highways Agency has confirmed that fog warnings were in place on the stretch of road.

Irwin Mitchell’s serious injury team specialise in helping road accident victims seek justice over the injuries they have suffered, helping the most seriously affected to gain access to vital funds for rehabilitation and medical support.

The firm acts for dozens of passengers injured in similar incidents in the past, including pupils from Alvechurch Middle School and other passengers hurt following the recent fatal coach crash near Reims in France.

Stephen Nye, a Partner at the national law firm’s Birmingham office who has vast experience in such cases, said: “Since this happened on Saturday morning, we have seen more and more information emerge in relation to this tragic incident. However, a number of questions still remain over the sequence of events which led to the collision and the subsequent injuries caused.

“From our experience of helping families and victims affected by such cases, we know that the families of those involved will be demanding answers to those questions and a clearer picture of how this terrible accident came to occur.

“This was a major incident for the emergency services to deal with and it is hoped that the police investigation will ultimately provide  clarity  as to  how and why the bus was stationary, as well as whether factors including weather conditions played a part in the lorry then colliding with it.

“As much information as possible must be gathered so officers can assess how this happened and, more importantly, how it could have been prevented.  Given the seriousness of the incident, the Coroner will probably hold a full inquest.

 This incident has come just months following the horrific pile-up on the M5 in Somerset, which also raised significant safety concerns in relation to motorways.

“Incidents of this kind show that road safety remains an incredibly important issue and we hope that every effort can be made following this incident to improve standards and prevent such problems from being repeated again.”

If you or a loved one has suffered a physical or psychological injury due a road traffic accident involving a bus or coach, you may be able to claim compensation. Find out more information on our Bus & Coach Accident Compensation page.