Two Ryanair pilots killed in car crash

Two Ryanair pilots have been named as the victims of a crash involving a car and two lorries on the M62 motorway.

Captain Matt Greenhalgh, 28, and Senior First Officer Jamie Fernandes, 24, were travelling to Liverpool Airport in a taxi when the collision happened near St Helens at 5.31am on Thursday.

Both men died at the scene, between junctions seven and eight on the motorway’s westbound carriageway. The taxi driver is being treated in hospital for serious injuries.

The driver of one of the two lorries, a 61-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving.

Traffic at the scene after the taxi and lorry collided on the M62


Credit: MEN MEDIA

Cheshire Police said next of kin were being supported by specialist officers, and urged anyone with information or dash camera footage to contact the force.

According to Mr Fernandes’ LinkedIn page, he joined Ryanair as a second officer in 2022, before being promoted to junior first officer in 2023 and then first officer in 2024.

The Liverpool Echo said its readers had sent in tributes to the two men.

One tribute read: “Just so so heartbreaking. Two people gone just like that. Two families heartbroken. Thoughts and prayers go out to both families and friends, may you all find strength to get through this devastating time.”