M62 crash latest: Family’s tribute to woman killed

BUBBLY GIRL Bethany Jones, who was killed when the minibus she was travelling in was involved in a crash on the M62.

Bethany Jones, 18, died yesterday (Friday) after a minibus carrying a hen party from South Elmsall, a lorry and a car collided.

In a statement, her family said: “Beth was a fun and bubbly girl who was caring and considerate to everyone she met.

“She was the apple of her grandad’s eye and she will never be forgotten and sadly missed by everyone.”

A total of 21 passengers were admitted to hospitals around the county after the motorway smash.

Seven people are said to be in a serious but stable condition, and an eighth woman is in intensive care.

The male driver of the minibus, who works for Batley-based Prestige Coaches, is among those in hospital.

A company spokesman said: “Our first thoughts are with the families of those involved.

“We are investigating the matter and co-operating with police investigations that are on going.”

The driver of the lorry, a local man, was arrested yesterday on suspicion of death by dangerous driving.

He has been bailed pending further enquiries.

West Yorkshire Police, fire fighters, ambulance and air ambulance services, Wakefield Council and the Highways Agency were involved in the response to the crash close to junction 32 at Pontefract just after 11.30am.

Assistant Chief Constable Craig Guildford, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “Tragically it has claimed the life of a local woman and our thoughts are with her family as specially trained officer’s work to support them.

“I want to pay tribute to the efforts that have been made today by colleagues in the emergency services, Highways Agency and local authority to what has been a major incident on our motorway network.”

Witnesses should contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team on 101.