Tributes paid to baby who died in A6120 Horsforth Road crash
West Yorkshire Police said the baby boy died in hospital yesterday[1] after he was left with serious injuries in the collision on the A6120 Horsforth Road, near Farsley, which happened at around 4.55pm on Monday.
The T&A has seen photographs of the vehicles involved in the smash – a Toyota Yaris and Vauxhall Vivaro van – engulfed by flames.
Thick black smoke could be seen coming from the crash site and witnesses reported hearing a ‘loud explosion’ on social media.
An air ambulance landed on the field of a nearby school as emergency services rushed to the area.
The van driver was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and released on bail pending further enquiries.
The baby had been travelling in the Toyota when the tragedy unfolded. At this stage[2], police have not released details about where the baby was from.
When the T&A visited the scene on Thursday, burn marks from the intense blaze were still visible on the carriageway, not far from Co-op Academy Priesthorpe.
On social media, tributes have been pouring in after his death was announced – and condolences have also been expressed to his loved ones.
A scorch mark on the road where the fire broke out (Image: T&A)
Commenting on the Telegraph & Argus’ Facebook page, Rebecca Ellis described the news as “heartbreaking” and added: “RIP little one.”
Ann Fitzgerald commented: “The poor little man. Gone too soon.”
Julie Fox Hughes said: “RIP angel.”
Joe Gregory wrote: “How heartbreaking. A family’s lives ripped apart. RIP.”
Omar Shah said: “Rest in peace, little man.”
Kathleen Bayliss said: “So sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to the family.”
Amy Shore added: “Poor baby, may you rest in peace.”
According to West Yorkshire[3] Police, the Vauxhall Vivaro van was travelling northbound when it was in a head-on collision with the Toyota Auris.
Two women from the Toyota and a man from the van were also taken to hospital for treatment along with the baby.
The 54-year-old male driver of the Vivaro was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and later bailed.
A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said investigations were ongoing into the tragedy.
Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) and firefighters also attended the crash.
A YAS spokesperson: “We received an emergency call at 4.55pm to a report a collision on the A6120.
“A number of ambulance resources were dispatched to the scene, including four ambulances, an air ambulance and team leader.
“Four patients were conveyed by road to Leeds General Infirmary.”
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service added that crews from Bradford[4] and Cookridge extinguished a blaze at the scene of the collision.
“Four casualties were out of vehicles upon fire service arrival,” they added.
“We made the scene safe before handing over to police.”
Officers have appealed for witnesses to contact the major collision enquiry team by calling 101 or by using the live chat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website, quoting reference 13240081077.