M6 crash: police say six died in horror smash

Oct 21 2008 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

POLICE investigating the M6 horror smash near Sandbach now believe a family of six died in the car.

It was originally thought three children and two adults were killed when the car was hit by a truck, went under it and exploded into flames.

But officers said the car had earlier left Birmingham with six people in it and the family were returning to Llandudno, North Wales.

The sixth person is believed to be a very small child.

The spokesman said: “Cheshire Police would now like to confirm that it is believed that there were a total of six people in the car, six fatalities and it is believed the people are from Llandudno, North Wales.

“Formal identification has not been made at this stage.”

The crash happened on the northbound carriageway between Junction 16 at Barthomley and Junction 17 at Sandbach, about 10.40pm on Monday night.

A 46-year-old lorry driver has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been confirmed as being a Portuguese national who works for a Spanish company.