Man charged after mother and daughter killed in five-car crash on M4

A man has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after a mother and daughter died after a crash on the M4. Cheryl Woods, 61, and Sarha Smith, 40, from Caerphilly[1], were killed in a multi-vehicle crash on October 20, 2023. The crash happened the M4[2] between junction 17 for Chippenham and junction 18 for Bath.

Wiltshire Police said Firas Zeineddine, 45, has been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving. A spokesman for the force said Zeineddine, of Keynsham, near Bristol, would appear before a court at a later date. Five vehicles were involved in the incident - three cars, a National Highways vehicle and a lorry - as severe wind and rain swept across the country during Storm Babet last October. Join our WhatsApp news community here[3] for the latest breaking news.

You will receive updates from us daily. Sarha's six daughters and the rest of the family paid tribute in a moving 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."

References

1. ^ Caerphilly (www.walesonline.co.uk)
2. ^ the M4 (www.walesonline.co.uk)
3. ^ Join our WhatsApp news community here (chat.whatsapp.com)