Victims of M5 horror crash are named

A man from Smethwick who died following a horror crash on the M5 has today been named as father of three Liaquat Ali.

The crash happened between Junction three for Halesowen and four for Lydiate Ash after a lorry hit the back of a coach in thick fog. More than 40 people were injured in the smash, on Saturday.

A 65-year-old lorry driver, who died in hospital, was today also named today as William Mapstone of Wells in Somerset. Familes of both men have paid tribute. Mr Ali was a passenger on the bus and died at the scene.

His family said: "Liaquat was the loving husband of Fozia Shaheen and was the father of two sons and a daughter – Shafqat Ali aged nine, Mohammed Owais Ali aged two and Kashish Eman aged six.

"He will be dearly missed by his family and friends and also leaves behind three brothers."

Mr Mapstone's family said he was "very much loved".

They added: "Our dad was tragically taken away from us while doing the job he so very much loved. "We would very much like to thank the people who helped both us and dad through such a tragic time including all the emergency services that attended the scene to help dad on the motorway to try and save him."

The driver of the bus, a 49-year-old Birmingham man, remains on bail in connection with the crash. Meanwhile, a 28-year-old man from Smethwick, who was also a passenger on the bus, is in a critical condition in hospital.

Police investigations were today continuing to establish the circumstances which led to the crash and are likely to take some time. Any witnesses should contact the police collision investigation unit on 101.