HGV driver who smashed into taxi causing fatal M62 crash jailed
Matthew Greenhalgh, 28, and Jamie Fernandes, 24, died in the crash in July 2024
An HGV driver has been jailed for 10 years after a crash on the M62 that killed two airline pilots and left a taxi driver seriously injured.
Anthony Burns, 63, from Headington Road in Upton, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on 13th January after pleading guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
The crash happened at around 5.30am on 11th July 2024, on the westbound carriageway of the M62 between junctions 8 and 7 near Warrington.
Pilots killed on their way home from work
Matthew Greenhalgh, 28, and Jamie Fernandes, 24, were passengers in a silver Toyota Auris taxi which had stopped behind another lorry due to a temporary roadblock.
The roadblock had been put in place while emergency services dealt with a separate crash on the opposite carriageway.
Burns, who was driving his HGV behind the taxi, failed to respond to the stationary traffic and crashed into the back of the car, forcing it into the lorry in front.
Despite multiple motorway warnings—four flashing amber gantry signs and advisory speed limits of 50mph reducing to 40mph—Burns did not slow down.
Families pay tribute
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.”
Matthew’s family said:
“Matt had a passion for life and seized every opportunity that came his way.
“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.
“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 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.
“We are grateful that he had achieved the dream he had had from childhood of flying.
“Our darling boy was a loving son, grandson, nephew and cousin. He is the light of our lives and always will be.”
Taxi driver Rashid Mehmood survived the crash but suffered serious injuries.