Dad who killed his son caught on CCTV moments before making ‘catastrophic’ decision
Daniel Burba had taken cocaine and was unfit to drive when he killed his son, Ryan, on the M6
07:45, 06 Aug 2025
Dad Jailed Following M6 Collision That Killed His 14-year-old SonNewly released CCTV footage has revealed the terrifying moments leading up to a tragic M6 crash, where a cocaine-fuelled dad killed his 14-year-old son.
Daniel Burba, 31, was seen operating a Peugeot Bipper van in an 'erratic manner' before veering off the southbound carriageway near Lancaster[1] on April 20. The van mounted a grass embankment between junctions 34 and 33 before colliding with a tree and rolling over.
His son, Ryan, was seated in the front passenger seat and tragically died at the scene from head injuries[2]. Prior to the fatal crash, Burba's van was observed swerving across lanes with hazard lights flashing while travelling well above the 70mph speed limit.
Investigators have reported that Burba experienced an epileptic fit just prior to the collision - a condition he had been explicitly warned made him unfit to drive.
This was 'aggravated by his use of cocaine', police said.
Daniel Burba walking into a petrol station before the fatal collisionToxicology tests revealed Burba was four times over the legal limit for cocaine and its derivative benzoylecgonine. He also had traces of amphetamine in his system.
After he was jailed for 10 years yesterday (August 5), CCTV footage has now been released capturing the moment Burba walked into a petrol station moments before causing his son's death by dangerous driving.
Harrowing images have also been released showing the devastating aftermath of the motorway crash.
The aftermath of the fatal crashSign up to the MEN Court newsletter here[3]
Lancashire Police say Burba should never have been behind the wheel. He only held a provisional driving licence, was not insured, and had recently been told not to drive due to his worsening epilepsy -- a condition exacerbated by illegal drug abuse.
Ryan was sadly pronounced dead at the scene, with a Home Office Post Mortem examination concluding that he died as a result of head injuries.
'No amount of time he serves will be enough'
In a victim impact statement to the court, Ryan's mum said: "My heart is broken and I don't see it healing.
"I haven't grieved properly because I feel if I start to let myself go, I'll never stop, so even though I'm struggling daily, I'm also trying to be strong for my two daughters."
She continued: "I feel that no amount of time Daniel will serve will ever be enough for taking Ryan's life.
Not only did he take my boy's life, he took my boy's future.
"My boy will never grow and be a father, go to work and follow his dreams or travel. He didn't even get to finish school.
Ryan Liam Morgan"He hasn't ever had a chance to experience life. It's so unfair because Ryan did have a beautiful heart.
He wanted to be a policeman.
"He would have changed the world. He made it a better place in the short time he was here. He made everyone smile who came into contact with him.
He had a smile that lit up the room.
"Daniel has taken all that and more. Daniel has taken a precious son, brother, grandson, nephew, friend and cousin. He had so much to live for.
"The fact that Daniel knew he wasn't allowed to drive due to his seizures, plus a lack of licence and insurance is just disgusting."
'He will have the rest of his life to reflect'
Burba was taken to hospital following the crash and arrested a week later after being discharged.
The 31-year-old, of Arnside Crescent, Morecambe, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving a vehicle while unlicensed, causing death by driving a vehicle whilst uninsured and drug driving.
Join our Court and Crime WhatsApp group HERE[4]
Appearing in the dock at Preston Crown Court, he was jailed for 10 years and banned from driving for 14 years and five months.
He was also told he must take an extended re-test if he ever wants to get behind the wheel again.
Daniel BurbaSgt Martin Wilcock, Senior Investigating Officer at our Road Policing Unit, said: "No sentence will ever make up for any loss of life, particularly in these tragic circumstances.
"However, Daniel Burba will have the rest of his life to reflect upon the catastrophic consequences his decision to consume drugs and then get behind the wheel have had.
Sadly, his son will not.
"I hope the outcome of this case sends a strong message out to anyone who is considering driving, having been told by a doctor not to.
Or anyone who is considering driving, having consumed drugs or alcohol.
Article continues below"As is so very obvious from this case, you run the risk of taking a life but also ruining many others - including your own."
He added: "This was a major incident that resulted in the closure of the motorway for a significant period of time.
We know there was some frustration at the time, but we hope the public understand that the carriageway needed to be closed to facilitate the investigation work that resulted in this conviction and significant sentence."