M6 crash: Parents took kids on fun Legoland trip before horrific motorway smash killed five

Five people, including two children, died in a head-on crash between a Toyota and a Skoda, which was travelling in the wrong direction on the carriageway, on the M6 in Cumbria

A family were "on their way home from Legoland" when they were involved in a head-on crash on the M6 which killed five people.

Jade McEnroe, 33, her partner Jarek, 42, and his two children Filip, 15, and Dominic, seven, who were travelling in a Toyota, were all pronounced dead at the scene of the crash in Cumbria. While Jade's child Arran, seven, was airlifted to hospital where he continues to fight for his life.

A 40-year-old driver of a Skoda was also pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency services, including two air ambulances, were called to the two-vehicle smash on the northbound carriageway just past Tebay services at around 4pm on Tuesday.

Cumbria Police received a report that the Skoda had been travelling southbound on the northbound carriageway and officers were en route when further calls were received that it had been involved in a head-on collision with the Toyota.

The family were also being supported by specially trained officers. A fundraiser that has been launched after the tragedy with the family having reportedly been on its way back from a trip to Legoland.

Many people have offered their condolences and left tributes on social media. Nicola Thompson said: "We grew up next door to to Jade and her lovely mum and dad. Have loads of lovely memories together. Life is so cruel, I'm praying for [the child] who is the most sweetest little boy with his whole life ahead of him. Rest in Peace Jade McEnroe and your beautiful family."

Maggie Snodgrass said: "Rest in peace to all my thoughts are with both families at this sad time xx" While Nichola Smith said: "Rest in peace Jade McEnroe. I hope you and your family are at peace …. prayers your mum and dad. God rest you xxx"

Other messages included one by Mary Brown saying: "Rest in eternal peace Jade and your wee family. God has sure got an angel with him," and Janice Mcguire who said: "Rest in peace Jade. Love to your family thinking of them." Sarah Bryce added: "God bless you Jade McEnroe and your family."

Photos showed a plume of black smoke rising into the sky above the motorway at the site of the crash. The images also showed the tailbacks created by the incident, with traffic backed up across all three lanes of the motorway, reported the Daily Record.

A spokesperson for Cumbria Police said: "We are appealing for witnesses to the fatal collision. Anyone with information relating to this incident can report online at https://orlo.uk/IzuxI, quoting incident number 146 of October 15 2024. You can also phone on 101. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."

The GoFundMe aims to raise money to ease the financial burden for loved ones. Since being organised yesterday, the campaign has raised over £4,500 of a £5,000 goal.