Five killed including two children as third fights for life after horror M6 crash

Two men, a woman and two children have died following a horror crash on the M6 in Cumbria, with a third child left fighting for their life in hospital after the collision

A crash on the M6 has claimed the lives of two men, a woman and two children, leaving another child in a critical condition in hospital. The collision occurred on the M6 Northbound, just beyond Tebay Services in Cumbria, with police alerted at 4.04pm on Tuesday, October 15.

A Skoda and a Toyota were involved in the incident. The occupants of the Toyota - a man, a woman and two children from Glasgow - all tragically lost their lives at the scene.

Another child from the same vehicle is currently battling for their life at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle after sustaining serious injuries. National Highways confirmed that two air ambulances attended the scene.

The driver of the Skoda, a man from Cambridgeshire, also sadly died at the scene. Families affected by this devastating event are being supported by specially trained officers, police have said.

As a result of the accident, the M6 was closed from Junction 36 to Junction 39, with police warning drivers that the road could remain "closed for some time". Police confirmed that the road remained shut until the "early hours of this morning", approximately 12 hours post-accident, reports the Mirror.

An eyewitness reported a significant emergency response to an incident on the M6, noting "lots of black smoke" at the scene. They posted on social media: "Something serious happening on M6 northbound, just passed Tebay services. Loads of blue lights going up the hard shoulder, can see lots of black smoke and looks like the air ambulance has just come in as well. I really do hope everyone's ok."

Following the severe crash, police are urging witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch. Reports can be made online quoting incident number 146 of October 15, 2024, or by calling 101. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.