Latest news with #SeriousCollisionInvestigationTeam
ITV News
03-05-2025
- ITV News
Mother jailed for causing death of son in crash on blind bend in Dorset
A mother has been jailed for causing the death of her son in a crash on a blind bend in Dorset. 39 year old Barbara Roe from Ludgershall in Wiltshire, was driving with her son on the A354 near East Woodyates in North Dorset last March when she began travelling at speed. She then attempted to overtake a Ford Transit as she approached a blind left-hand bend, crossing the solid white line marking in the middle of the road. A cattle transporter was travelling in the opposite direction and Roe collided with it. Members of the public attempted to give first aid at the scene before the emergency services attended. However, despite their best efforts, Roe's nine-year-old son Zac Roe died at the scene. Police Constable Gavin Newbury, of the Serious Collision Investigation Team (SCIT), said: 'This tragic case is the cruellest of reminders of the truly devastating consequences that sadly occur when motorists drive in a dangerous or reckless manner. 'Our thoughts are absolutely with Zac's loved ones, who have been supported by specially trained officers throughout. "While we fully appreciate nothing will ever make up for their loss, our role has been to diligently investigate the circumstances of this collision and bring the evidence before the courts to allow the justice process to follow its course.' Roe was sentenced to five years in prison and disqualified from driving for a period of seven and a half years. Zac's father and his paternal grandparents described him as a "much-loved boy". In a statement, they said: 'His father adored him, as did we. 'He was a popular boy who had many friends. 'He had an amazing imagination. He just loved making things out of Lego, twigs, cardboard, string and Sellotape. "Just the same as his dad did when he was Zac's age. 'He was talented at drawing and spent many hours adding detail to whatever he drew. 'We called him nature boy as he loved being outdoors, making dens, riding his bike and scooter, playing parkour and army games. 'He just loved life. He was always smiling. 'He should be here now enjoying his life. 'Money has been raised and there in now a therapy dog named after Zac. This is Zac's legacy as he loved dogs. If anyone one would like to donate in Zac's memory please go to the 'Dogs for Health' Facebook page. 'We will never stop loving him. 'The good memories are too hard to think about yet. But when we are ready to remember them, we will know how much he loved his short life, which was brutally taken away. 'No one will ever forget our wonderful Zac. 'Our grief will last until our last breath.'
Western Telegraph
28-04-2025
- Western Telegraph
Welsh mum and daughter killed by speeding driver in storm
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.'
South Wales Argus
28-04-2025
- South Wales Argus
Speeding incident during storm led to deaths of two women
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.'
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Motorcyclist has life-changing injuries after crash
A motorcyclist has been left with life-changing leg and pelvic injuries after a crash yesterday lunchtime . It happened at around 12.24 GMT on the A361 through Highworth, Wiltshire, when the man - in his 30s - attempted to overtake a white van but collided with an oncoming vehicle. The motorcycle rider is in hospital in a serious condition and Wiltshire Police are appealing for witnesses. The force have thanked the public who helped "in what was a very challenging scene". More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire Witnesses have been asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team (SCIT). Sgt Rich Hatch, from the team, said public who saw the scene may "be suffering from some trauma and want to signpost them to some support". He urged them to contact the charity BRAKE or their GP for support. "I would like to thank the members of the public who assisted with the collision yesterday in what was a very challenging scene," he added. Wiltshire Police have also reminded people that the scenes of crashes are evidence, so debris should not be moved. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Car crashes through wall into town's bank branch Motorway shut after two serious crashes
BBC News
18-03-2025
- BBC News
Highworth crash leaves motorcyclist with life-changing injuries
A motorcyclist has been left with life-changing leg and pelvic injuries after a crash yesterday lunchtime .It happened at around 12.24 GMT on the A361 through Highworth, Wiltshire, when the man - in his 30s - attempted to overtake a white van but collided with an oncoming motorcycle rider is in hospital in a serious condition and Wiltshire Police are appealing for force have thanked the public who helped "in what was a very challenging scene". Witnesses have been asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team (SCIT).Sgt Rich Hatch, from the team, said public who saw the scene may "be suffering from some trauma and want to signpost them to some support". He urged them to contact the charity BRAKE or their GP for support."I would like to thank the members of the public who assisted with the collision yesterday in what was a very challenging scene," he Police have also reminded people that the scenes of crashes are evidence, so debris should not be moved.
