Autism school ‘devastated’ as three staff die in M4 crash

THREE staff members from a centre for children with autism were killed in a motorway crash when a minibus carrying them and three young people collided with a lorry

The driver, a member of staff at Prior’s Court Foundation in Thatcham, Berks, died in hospital yesterday following the tragedy on the M4 on Thursday afternoon, Thames Valley Police said.

Two other members of staff were pronounced dead at the scene.

Another two staff members were last night in critical conditions in hospital, while one pupil from the centre required surgery on a leg and a further two escaped with minor injuries.

Mike Robinson, the foundation’s chief executive, said the news was “ut- terly devastating”. He added: “At the same time, we feel unbelievably blessed that the three young people they were working with yesterday escaped with more minor injuries.”

The M4 was temporarily closed in both directions to allow air ambulances to land after the two vehicles collided between junction 14 at Hungerford and junction 13 at Chieveley.

The driver of the lorry escaped the crash with minor injuries.

Police said no arrests had been made and investigations were ongoing.

Insp Andy Storey, of the Roads Policing Team, appealed for witnesses to the crash or those with “dash-cam footage” to contact police on 101.