Full Breakdown
Fatal Collision Claims Lives of Ryanair Pilots on M62
1/13/2026, 8:18:25 PM
Incident Overview
On July 10, 2024, two Ryanair pilots, Matthew Greenhalgh, 28, and Jamie Fernandes, 24, were killed in a tragic accident on the M62 motorway near Warrington, England. The pilots were en route to Liverpool John Lennon Airport in a taxi when their vehicle was struck by a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driven by Anthony Burns, 63. The collision occurred as the taxi was stopped in a queue of traffic due to a closure on the westbound carriageway.
Circumstances of the Crash
The incident unfolded when Burns failed to notice the stationary traffic ahead of him, despite warnings from overhead signs indicating reduced speed limits due to an ongoing emergency on the opposite side of the motorway. As the taxi, driven by Uber driver Rashid Mehmood, came to a halt behind a lorry, Burns's HGV collided with the rear of the taxi, crushing it between two lorries. The impact resulted in injuries to the pilots that were deemed "not survivable," while Mehmood sustained serious injuries but survived the crash.
Eyewitness Accounts and Evidence
Witnesses described the moments leading up to the collision, with one stating it appeared as if Burns had "fallen asleep" as he approached the traffic. Prosecutors noted that Burns had an unobstructed view of the queue for at least 500 meters prior to the crash. A tachograph unit in his HGV indicated he had been driving at a steady speed of 56 mph for 35 minutes before the incident, with a brief deceleration noted four minutes prior.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Burns was charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. During the court proceedings, his defense highlighted his remorse and the impact of the incident on both the victims' families and himself. Burns, who had a history of previous convictions, was sentenced to ten years in prison. Judge Simon Medland emphasized the dangerous driving conditions at the time, including torrential rain and surface water, which contributed to the severity of the crash.
Official Statements & Responses
In court, the defense argued that Burns had been a safe driver for over 30 years and did not intend to cause harm. However, the judge noted that Burns had ample warning of the traffic ahead and failed to respond appropriately. The judge remarked on the tragic loss of life, stating, "These are awful cases, tragic cases, extremely tragic in circumstances of such bright, shining young things that have been taken away from the families."
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Burns's driving behavior pointed to the clear warnings and the significant time he had to react to the traffic situation. The prosecution highlighted that despite being a professional driver, Burns's actions on that day led to catastrophic consequences, raising questions about driver attentiveness and responsibility.
Conclusion
The deaths of Matthew Greenhalgh and Jamie Fernandes serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers on the roads, particularly for professional drivers. The case continues to resonate with discussions around road safety and the responsibilities of drivers in maintaining awareness, especially in adverse conditions.
