Man appears in court after two Ryanair pilots killed in M62 horror crash

Lorry driver Anthony Burns has been charged over M62 crash that killed two Ryanair pilots

12:49, 29 Nov 2025Updated 12:49, 29 Nov 2025

A lorry driver accused of causing the deaths of two Ryanair[1] pilots in a motorway pile-up has appeared in court. Captain Matt Greenhalgh, 28, and senior first officer Jamie Fernandes, 24, were travelling to Liverpool John Lennon Airport in a taxi at 5.31am on July 11, 2024 when they were tragically killed in a crash on the M62[2].

The fatal incident, involving the taxi and two lorries, happened on the westbound carriageway between junctions 8 and 7. Both Mr Greenhalgh and Mr Fernandes sadly lost their lives at the scene, while the taxi driver was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

Last month, Cheshire Police confirmed that a man had been charged[3] in connection with the incident.

Anthony Burns, 63, faces two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Burns, from Headington Road in Upton, Merseyside, appeared before Warrington Magistrates' Court on Tuesday for his initial hearing.

The next court date, set for plea and trial preparation, is scheduled for December 23. Burns was granted unconditional bail, reports the Liverpool Echo[4].

Following his death, Mr Greenhalgh's family said: "Matt had a passion for life and seized every opportunity that came his way. He had already achieved so much in such a short life, with so much more planned.

"Matt discovered his ambition for becoming a pilot in his teenage years, following a flying lesson that was gifted by his aunt.

His hard work and determination led to a successful career with Ryanair, recently being promoted to captain.

"He loved the skies and flying, never growing tired of the scenic views from the cockpit."

Mr Fernandes' family added: "Jamie was living his best life and had so many plans for the future.

In his too-short life, he packed in so much and made the most of every moment.

"We are grateful that he had achieved the dream he had had from childhood of flying.

"He looked forward to every day at work, where it is obvious he was with a very special family of colleagues and friends, and as he said, 'the sun always shines above the clouds'."

References

1. ^ Ryanair (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
2. ^ M62 (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
3. ^ man had been charged (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
4. ^ the Liverpool Echo (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)