Couple killed in M5 accident named

A West Bromwich couple killed in a horror car crash on the M5 motorway were today named as Jana Tokarova and Michal Tokar.

The couple lived in Lily Street and died on May 3.

The Vauxhall Astra they were in collided with a lorry on the northbound M5 in Worcestershire. The accident happened between Junctions 5 at Droitwich and 6 at Worcester a week last Monday. Mrs Tokarova, aged 44, and Mr Tokar, 49, were passengers in the back seat of the car.

They were pronounced dead at the scene at 8.30pm.

The inquest was opened today at Worcestershire Coroner's Court and was adjourned for reports. The full inquest will be heard at a later date.

Neighbours of the couple said that they had only moved into the street with their family, including young children, around two months ago.

Ray Karra, owner of Bange Stores newsagents on nearby Law Street, said: "They were a quiet couple but were always nice whenever we spoke.

"They came into the shop regularly to buy odds and ends and were always very polite.

"I was shocked when I heard about the crash. It is a shame as they were decent people.

"Whenever Michal was passing and saw me carrying loaves of bread and milk he would always offer to help, even though he only spoke broken English."

West Midlands Ambulance Service said the car was carrying five people when it crashed and three of them were out of the vehicle when crews arrived.They were described by paramedics as "walking wounded".

At the time, ambulance spokeswoman Susie Fothergill said: "Ambulance crews assessed the occupants, a man and a woman who were in the rear of the vehicle.

"Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of ambulance crews nothing could be done to save the passengers and they were confirmed dead at the scene.

Witnesses are asked to contact the police on 0121 6261285.