Tributes to boy killed in m-way crash
PARENTS IN MOVING TRIBUTE TO SCHOOLBOY KILLED IN M-WAY HORROR
THE heartbroken parents of a Bury schoolboy killed in a smash on the M58 have paid tribute to their son, describing him as a ‘true superhero.’
Joe Cairns from Radcliffe had been with staff and classmates from Pontville School in Ormskirk, Lancashire, when their minibus was involved in the collision near to junction 3 of the westbound carriageway on Tuesday morning.
The 14-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, alongside Anne Kerr, 50, a pupil transport assistant at the school.
In a statement via Lancashire Police, Joe’s mum and dad, Steph and Andy Cairns, said their son had an ‘infectious smile.’
It read: “Joe, my brave boy, a true fighter with a heart of gold.
“An amazing sense of humour and infectious smile, a true superhero.”
According to the school, four others in the minibus suffered serious injuries and remain in hospital.
Pontville headteacher Justine Sims yesterday paid tribute to Mrs Kerr, a mum-of-two from Southport.
She said: “Our hearts are filled with sadness as we grieve the tragic loss of Anne Kerr.
“Anne was a caring member of staff who went out of her way to support the young people at Pontville.
“We have been inundated with condolence wishes from our families and pupils, including those involved in the incident. “Our thoughts and sympathies are with Anne’s family.” Anne’s family told how her death had left them heartbroken, adding: “Anne was much loved by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by all her friends and family.
“She was a daughter, wife, and mum to two lovely boys. “She was a lovely personality to be around. Her death has left us all heartbroken.” A spokesman for Lancashire Police said that the driver of a HGV, a 31-yearold man from Chorley, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has since been released under investigating pending further enquiries.
Around an hour after the fatal crash, there was a second collision in queueing traffic on the same stretch of road involving a HGV, a van and two cars.
A woman and two men suffered serious injuries. They remain in Aintree Hospital receiving treatment.
Lancashire Police are continuing to appeal for information.
The force said: “We are continuing to investigate the two collisions on Tuesday morning.
“Our thoughts remain with the families of everyone affected by them.
“If you witnessed either collision, or have any relevant dashcam footage, please get in touch with us.”
Joe, my brave boy, a true fighter with a heart of gold Joe Cairns’ parents Steph and Andy