Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
CARNAGE Cabbie working into early hours to support five girls and a son is among dead
other and then a people carrier taxi squashed up the wall against another car, which was almost unrecognisable.
“I saw at least two people trapped under the taxi, not moving.
“Other cars behind had bumped into each other, probably from slamming their brakes on. It was the most
THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised for two police officers injured as a car ploughed into them early yesterday.
The Met Police officers, named as Chris and Sam, and based at Wembley station in North West London, were hit by a white Maserati as they walked to their squad car in Neasden at 3.40am.
The male officer suffered “serious horrible thing I have ever witnessed.” The appalling loss of life devastated Mr Mohammed’s community in Small Heath, where one friend of the family said his youngest girl is three today.
Noorshad said Imtiaz doted on his children and “spoilt them”. “He would say, ‘the only thing I live for is my wife
injuries” and the female officer had fractures, with her condition described as serious but stable.
Friend Daryl Asprey set up a Go Fund Me page to help them, with a target of £2,500 – but by last night it had raised more than £10,000. He said: “Not only will their recoveries be emotionally and physically draining for themselves and and family’,” he said. Cousin Noor added: “Imtiaz is a real man, a legend.
“If you think about it, to raise up six kids at the age of 16, in the society we live in now, working – not many men can do that. He was married, has been with her his whole life.”
A man and woman in one car
their families (Chris has young children) but it will also be a huge test financially – especially in the run-up to Christmas.”
A woman in her 40s, who was in the car, was taken to hospital but was not seriously hurt. The driver, in his 50s, was held on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to give a breath sample. He remained in police custody last night. “astonishingly” escaped with minor injuries, said paramedics. But Mr Mohammed’s black, sevenseater cab was on its side. He and a female passenger were confirmed dead at the scene.
A male customer was rushed to hospital but could not be saved.
All four men travelling in a third car were thrown from the vehicle.
Police have refused to comment on whether they were wearing seatbelts.
Three died at the scene while the fourth was fighting for his life in hospital. Three other cars collided as they tried to avoid the smash, with occupants sustaining minor wounds.
Paramedics say they treated a total of 13 patients. Stunned locals swapped stories of what they believe happened on social media yesterday.
Jackie Carter claimed on Twitter that a “speeding” car “went into the oncoming traffic” and struck the taxi.
Other posts suggested cars may have been “racing” or overtaking in the lead-up to the crash.
But police yesterday refused to comment on any of the theories.
West Midlands Police Superintendent Sean Phillips said: “I can’t speculate if visibility or speed were an issue.”
But he confirmed investigators were looking into the possibility that one car crossed the central reservation.
Officers will also examine whether victims were wearing seatbelts or not. He added: “Our thoughts are with the families of those injured and deceased, especially in the run-up to Christmas.”