Truck driver jailed for killing BA stewardess, 19, in M6 motorway crash
Daniel Barlow, 30, ploughed into a stationary VW Polo at 55mph on the M6 in Cheshire, killing 19-year-old British Airways stewardess Chloe Williams.
Truck driver convicted over 'entirely preventable' M6 crash that killed teenager bound for concert
A truck driver has been found guilty of causing the death of a 19-year-old British Airways stewardess after failing to brake in time on the M6 motorway in Cheshire, aol.co.uk reports.
Daniel Barlow, 30, of Whitworth, Lancashire, was at the wheel of a white DAF truck on the evening of Friday 2 December 2022 when he struck the rear of a Volkswagen Polo travelling northbound between junctions 16 and 17. Chloe Williams, who had been a passenger in the car, was on her way to a concert in Manchester with her partner and another occupant.
The Polo had come to a halt in lane one due to heavy traffic as it approached junction 17. Barlow was also travelling in lane one at a constant speed of 55mph and, despite a clear view of the stationary vehicles ahead, did not attempt to slow down until between 0.25 and 0.5 seconds before the moment of impact.
Following a three-day trial at Chester Crown Court, Barlow was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was bailed ahead of sentencing, set for Friday 25 September.
The collision left all three occupants of the Polo requiring hospital treatment. Chloe died despite the efforts of medical staff. The two other occupants — both men — sustained multiple serious injuries, including broken legs and a fractured skull. Their families have described life-changing consequences, including memory loss and long-lasting pain.
When arrested and questioned by police, Barlow was unable to provide any explanation for why he had not reduced his speed before the collision.
Inspector Andrew Dennison, of the Cheshire Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said after the verdict: "Chloe was a bright young woman who was just about to embark on her dream career with British Airways, but her life was cut short because of the actions of Barlow."
Dennison added that the investigation had established the death was "entirely preventable", stating that Barlow "had ample time to react and slow down" but was "clearly not concentrating on his driving", causing his vehicle to become "a deadly weapon."
"This case demonstrates the importance of ensuring that all road users pay full attention when driving on our roads, as just one lapse really can mean the difference between life and death," Dennison said.
In a statement issued following Chloe's death, her family said: "We have lost our beautiful girl in the most tragic way. She was about to start her dream career and has now had all that taken away."
Source: The Sun