Car In Fatal Oldbury Crash Crushed as Father Speaks of ‘Massive Relief’
Families watch vehicle destroyed nearly two years after tragedy that killed two teenagers
The father of a teenager killed in a street-racing incident in Oldbury says watching the car involved being crushed has brought both relief and painful memories.
The Nissan Skyline was destroyed at a scrapyard in Wednesbury. The vehicle ploughed into crowds at a car meet in November 2022 killing Ben Corfield and Liberty Charris. Two others, Ebonie Parkes and Ethan Kilburn, were seriously injured.
Ben’s father, Damian Caulfield, said seeing the wreckage for the first time since the night of the crash felt like confronting a weapon.
“A part of this vehicle killed my son and Liberty.” He said. “It was no different to pointing a gun or a knife. That’s what I saw — a weapon. The relief to see it crushed and know it will never cause devastation again is massive.”
He described the emotional weight of the moment saying it brought back the reality of losing not just a son but “a best friend, a business partner and a calming presence”.
Mr Caulfield reflected on Ben’s life describing him as a “wonderful young man” committed to public service. Ben was elected on Dudley’s Youth Council and Dudley’s Youth Member of Parliament and campaigned on issues including knife crime and mental health.
“Ben was community orientated, a light.” He said. “You could put Ben in a crowd of a million people and he’d stand out.”
The crash was caused by driver Dihya Al-Maamoury who was sentenced to 13 years and six months in prison for causing death by dangerous driving. West Midlands Police say the vehicle was heavily modified and used specifically for car meets.
Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said crushing the vehicle was an important step for families.
“Today is about giving the victims something they wanted — a small part of a conclusion.” He said. “Families never get closure but this gives them an answer.”
The police were granted a deprivation order allowing the car to be destroyed. Sgt Hughes said the measure also sends a message to those involved in illegal street racing.
“This wasn’t a runaround. This was a modified vehicle bought to show off. We’ve seized it and crushed it to stop that.”
Mr Caulfield said he and the families affected are determined to campaign against dangerous car cruising which he described as “the scourge of the earth”.
He praised the work of West Midlands Police saying recent operations had made “a massive, massive impact” on reducing illegal gatherings.
“We’ve been left a legacy.” He added. “If you choose to drive dangerously in these vehicles and tragedy happens the consequences are devastating for families, for communities and even for the car itself. It will be taken away and crushed.”
Mr Caulfield said he hopes people will remember his son for his kindness, commitment to others and the positive change he tried to create.