Mum and daughter from Wales killed in motorway crash during Storm Babet
Loving tributes have been paid to a mum and daughter from Wales who died in a motorway crash during Storm Babet. Cheryl Wood, 61, and her 40-year-old daughter Sarha Smith, from Caerphilly, died in the crash om the M4. The crash involved their car and a lorry which overturned on the motorway near Chippenham last Friday (October 20).
In total, five vehicles were involved in the incident – three cars, a National Highways vehicle and a lorry, reports WalesOnline.[1] It is understood that the National Highways traffic officer was dealing with a minor crash on the hard shoulder of the motorway shortly before the fatal crash. Sarha’s six daughters and the rest of the family have paid tribute in a statement issued through Wiltshire Police, who have been providing support since the crash.
The tribute said: “Cheryl Woods, cherished by those in her life, fulfilled the roles of a loving mother, doting grandmother, cherished sister, and a dear friend. Her selflessness was a defining trait, consistently prioritising her family’s well-being over her own, and she took immense pride in her Welsh heritage while nurturing a deep love for nature.” To Sarha, they said: “In the footsteps of her mother, unselfishly devoted herself to her family’s needs ahead of her own.
She was not only a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, but her absence leaves a void for those who relied on her radiant presence. “Her legacy lives on through her six daughters, who will forever hold her memory close and strive to honour her with their efforts.” A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “Their families have asked for privacy and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.” Emergency services were called to the eastbound carriageway between junction 17 for Chippenham and junction 18 for Bath at approximately 9.10am on Friday.
Two other people involved in the collision sustained minor injuries and were treated by paramedics at the scene. A full closure was put in place on the M4 at junction 18 eastbound and junction 17 westbound to allow emergency services to carry out recovery and investigative work. Roads Policing Unit A/Inspector Will Ayres said that investigations at the scene took a “significant time” because of the “seriousness of the collision”.
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References
- ^ reports WalesOnline. (www.walesonline.co.uk)
- ^ 3ft ‘surfing pheasant’ rides Storm Babet waves for six-mile trip to North Wales beach (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ ‘Joke of a sentence’ slammed after thug spared jail following attack (www.dailypost.co.uk)
- ^ WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone (www.dailypost.co.uk)