Speeding incident during storm led to deaths of two women

South Wales Argus

28-04-2025

Firas Zeineddine, 46, of Bluebell Drive, Keynsham, was sentenced to 12 months in prison at Swindon Crown Court.
The incident took place at the height of a storm.
Zeineddine pleaded guilty to two counts of death by careless driving.
On October 20, 2023, at around 9am, Cheryl Woods, 61, and Sarha Smith, 40, were stopped on the hard shoulder of the M4 eastbound near junction 17 for Chippenham after a minor collision.
Zeineddine, driving a Tesla Model Y, was speeding at more than 90mph in the outside lane of the M4 during Storm Babet.
(Image: Public submission)
He aquaplaned, overcorrected his steering, and collided with the front offside bumper and steering axle of an HGV in lane 1.
The HGV then crashed into and fell on Cheryl and Sarha's vehicle, a Volkswagen T-Roc.
Both women were declared dead at the scene.
Investigating officer DC Sean Williams, from the Serious Collision Investigation Team, said: "This is an utterly tragic and needless incident which has seen two women lose their lives.
"Zeineddine's speeding in the conditions was completely reckless and he admitted having impaired vision due to the amount of mist and spray that was coming off the road.
"Despite this, data from his Tesla showed his speed was in excess of 90mph.
"Once his vehicle started to aquaplane in the standing water, due to the speed he was driving, he lost complete control.
"Cheryl and Sarha's deaths sadly provide a clear illustration of why it is vital to drive to the conditions, no matter where you are.
"Any mistake or unforeseen incident, particularly at the speeds Zeineddine was driving, can have fatal consequences."
At the time of the crash, Wiltshire Police released the following tribute from the family of the two women.
It said: 'Cheryl Woods, cherished by those in her life, fulfilled the roles of a loving mother, doting grandmother, cherished sister, and a dear friend.
"Her selflessness was a defining trait, consistently prioritising her family's well-being over her own, and she took immense pride in her Welsh heritage while nurturing a deep love for nature.
'Sarha Smith, in the footsteps of her mother, unselfishly devoted herself to her family's needs ahead of her own.
"She was not only a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, but her absence leaves a void for those who relied on her radiant presence.
"Her legacy lives on through her six daughters, who will forever hold her memory close and strive to honour her with their efforts.'