Family anger at tank smash verdict

The families of two friends from Cheslyn Hay killed in a horrific accident on the M1 have called for a review of the case.

Craig Mears, aged 33, and Paul Evans, 37, were among five people killed when a transporter carrying three army tanks crashed on the motorway in Leicestershire in June 2003. Daniel Bradley, Wayne Buckley and Chris Green were also fatally injured after the tractor unit and trailer and a Honda Civic car collided.

The initial crash happened on the northbound carriageway, but it caused the transporter to career towards the central reservation, plough through the barrier and throw the eight-tonne tanks into oncoming traffic, an inquest heard.

The Honda's driver was subsequently prosecuted for driving without due care and attention and fined £130.

But the five men's families claim the contractor which carried the armoured vehicles, Elliott Sargeant, should also be prosecuted.

It is alleged the tanks were too heavy for the trailer and the load was unsafe.

Assistant deputy coroner Martin Gotheridge recorded a narrative verdict at Leicester Town Hall yesterday.

But in a statement read after on behalf of the families, Wayne Buckley's sister, Karen Starkey, said relatives were "not satisfied".

The families want the Crown Prosecution Service to review the case.

"We were looking for a verdict of unlawful killing. Someone should be held responsible for their deaths.

"We are not interested in compensation - we are just looking for justice," she said.

The inquest heard how a tank landed on a Mercedes Sprinter van, killing Mr Evans and Mr Mears.

Another hit the van in which Mr Bradley, 21, of Melton Mowbray, was a passenger. Mr Buckley, 44, of Ossett, Yorkshire, was hit by the trailer. Mr Green, 29, of Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, was hit by the transporter's tractor unit.

No-one from Elliott Sargeant was available for comment.